Department for Transport

Driving: Licensing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to reduce the time taken for the DVLA's Drivers Medical Group department to return driving licences to applicants.

Andrew Jones: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has made a number of improvements in the way it deals with medical cases. Extra caseworkers have been employed and more medical advisers are being recruited. The DVLA deals with telephone enquiries from drivers who are working abroad or who have a job offer pending as a priority. Also, a dedicated team has been established to ensure that customers challenging a licensing decision, are dealt with as quickly as possible. All applications for first vocational driving licences where a medical condition is declared are dealt with as a priority. These changes are part of an ongoing programme of work which will continue to introduce improvements. Future changes include the introduction of a digital service channel and a review of how complex cases are handled. The changes will help to significantly speed up the process for both motorists and medical professionals.

Air Pollution

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 1 March 2016 to Question 27620, in what ways the ring-fenced £100 million is being spent; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure its other projects compliment local air quality plans.

Andrew Jones: Highways England has set out their approach for managing the Air Quality fund in their Delivery Plan (2015-2020), published in March 2015. In this they committed to building a clear picture of where pollution exists around the Strategic Road Network and to deliver ten pilot schemes to help develop new approaches to reduce air pollution. The ring-fenced air quality fund will support the implementation of viable solutions once these have been identified though Highways England’s ongoing work. Since 2011, Government has committed over £2 billion to measures that will help improve air quality including uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles and investment in sustainable transport. The team responsible for delivering the air quality plan will work with officials in the Department for Transport to ensure that programmes are closely aligned.

Aviation: Emergencies

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 February to Question 27441, if he will place in the Library the report received by the Civil Aviation Authority on the emergency landing of 25 January.

Mr Robert Goodwill: In the UK it has long been the case that in order to contribute effectively to the improvement of flight safety, reportable occurrences in aviation are treated confidentially to maintain full and free reporting from the aviation community and to protect the identity of the individual. Occurrence reporting is now covered by (EU) Regulation No 376/2014. It requires that the reporting, analysis and follow-up to an occurrence pursuant to an ongoing CAA investigation remains confidential. For this reason, we are unable to place the report in the Commons Library. However, the Regulation does permit information to be released on request to interested parties that have a genuine safety related need for the information. An Application can be made at www.caa.co.uk

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Safety

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will introduce mandatory geo-fencing technology for civilian drones.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The UK Government and the Civil Aviation Authority are talking to manufacturers about implementing geo-fencing technology on their drone systems. There are a number of drones already sold in the UK with this technology installed. My department is talking to a range stakeholders, including airports, about potential solutions for restricting drone operations around airports and other key infrastructure. We expect to have some results from this work by the end of the summer.

Volkswagen

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 1 March 2016 to Question 27610, for what reasons the technical solution offered by VW was accepted in the EU but not in the US.

Andrew Jones: Manufacturers are required to comply with different technical standards between the EU market and the USA market. The engineering solution proposed by VW will bring its diesel cars into compliance with the EU emissions limits and testing is underway to confirm that this solution works for all model types. We do not have information regarding VW’s technical solutions in the USA.

M6: Tolls

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what objectives his Department has set for the proposed sale of the M6 toll road; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Jones: The sale of the M6 Toll is being carried out by a private company and it is for the vendor to set objectives for the process.

Driving Under Influence: Drugs

Mr Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to update the Drug Driving (Specified Limits) (England and Wales) Regulations 2014, so as to reduce the amount of a drug that can be detected in blood for the purposes of the definition of that offence.

Andrew Jones: The Department is evaluating the new specified limits drug driving offence and a final report from the researcher is due at the end of 2016. The Department will consider its findings and assess whether there is any requirement to change the legislation, but currently there are no plans to amend the regulations. Thanks to the tougher law, police are catching and convicting more drug drivers.

Railways: Fares

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2016 to Question 29041, and with reference to his Department's press release of 18 August 2015 entitled Earnings outstrip rail fare increases for first time in a decade, in what circumstances the conditions of his Department's licence with ATOC permit information on the rail industry's central revenue and ticketing database to be released.

Claire Perry: The Department holds information on ticket sales through the revenue settlement service for UK passenger rail ticket sales (the LENNON database), which is provided by train operating companies to support the Department in managing the rail franchise programme. Under the conditions of the agreement to use the LENNON database from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), the Department does not have permission to publish such information.

Helicopters: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of a drone collision with an emergency helicopter attending a scene in a built-up area.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department for Transport is currently working with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to develop consistent, EU-wide safety rules for drones. The Department and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) work with a wide range of industry partners across the aviation sector, (including manufacturers, airports, and operators), to ensure our understanding of potential hazards to aircraft remains up-to-date and mitigations effective. This collaboration is also considering the need for other potential drone policies, such as geo-fencing. There are a number of drone models already sold in the UK with types of this technology installed and we are assessing the potential for solutions that could restrict drone operations around sensitive locations and key infrastructure. The Government has undertaken analysis of the use of drones for criminal purposes, including the potential use of drones for terrorist purposes, and the impacts of their negligent use near sensitive locations, such as airports. This work is kept under review and is being used to inform research and testing to improve mitigation techniques and strategies. Education of drone users is vital. The DfT is working with the CAA on raising awareness of responsible drone use. This includes the CAA’s ‘Drone Code’ safety awareness campaign and the issuing of safety leaflets at the point of sale.

Home Office

Counter-terrorism: Children

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people aged under 18 have been referred to the Channel programme in each year since 2011.

Mr John Hayes: Holding answer received on 04 March 2016



Channel has been operational nationally since April 2012. The Home Office does not currently publish data on the Channel Programme.

Asylum: Housing

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many single destitute asylum seekers were granted accommodation and support under section 4 of the Immigration and Nationality Act in the last year because they were (a) unable to leave the UK due to medical reasons and (b) taking all reasonable steps to leave the UK; and how many such applications were made within 21 days of that person's appeal rights being exhausted.

James Brokenshire: Our records indicate that a total of 105 destitute asylum seekers were granted accommodation and support under section 4 of the Immigration and Nationality Act in the last year (2015) due to pregnancy, medical reasons or because they were taking all reasonable steps to leave the UK.A full breakdown of categories is given below:(a) unable to leave the UK due to medical reasons - 42 (including 6 due to late pregnancy)(b) taking all reasonable steps to leave the UK - 63(c) how many of these applications were made within 21 days of that person's appeal rights being exhausted:- Medical – 1- Steps to Leave – 5This is provisional management information that is subject to change. It has not been assured to the standard of Official Statistics.

Vetting: Bristol West

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications to the Disclosure and Barring Service from people in Bristol West constituency have taken more than 60 days to process in the last 12 months.

Karen Bradley: The number of applications to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) from people living in the Bristol West constituency that have taken more than 60 days to process in the last 12 months (for which data is available) is listed in the table below.MonthNumber of certificates issued by DBS to applicants in Bristol WestApplications that took longer than 60 daysFebruary 2015 – January 201612,934392

Extradition

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2016 to Question 28978, which Category 2 countries or territories to which her Department made (a) import extradition requests and (b) people were extradited to the UK from in each year since 2009-10.

James Brokenshire: Category 2 territories” refers to countries designated as extradition partners under Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003. The territories listed were Category 2 territories at the time the request was made or the person was extradited. YearCategory 2 territories to which extradition requests were madeCategory 2 territories from which people were extradited to the UK2009Australia Bangladesh Canada Chile Hong Kong India Jamaica Malaysia Mexico Peru South Africa Thailand Turkey Turks and Caicos UAE Ukraine USAAustralia Brazil Canada Colombia Croatia India Iraq Jamaica Mexico South Africa Switzerland Thailand Turkey Turks and Caicos UAE USA2010Australia Bangladesh Barbados Canada Colombia Ghana Jamaica Nigeria South Africa St Vincent UAE USAAustralia Bangladesh Barbados Canada Iraq Peru South Africa Thailand Turkey USA2011Antigua Australia Azerbaijan Canada Dominican Republic Ghana India Israel Jamaica Nigeria Norway South Africa Sri Lanka Switzerland Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Turkey USA ZimbabweAustralia Bangladesh Canada Ghana Norway South Africa St Vincent Switzerland Thailand Turkey UAE USA2012Australia Bangladesh Canada Ghana Jamaica Malaysia Mexico New Zealand Nigeria Singapore South Africa Switzerland Thailand Turkey UAE USAAustralia Canada Grenada Jamaica Nigeria Thailand Trinidad and Tobago UAE USA2013Australia Canada Ecuador India Iraq Jamaica Nigeria Norway South Africa Switzerland Trinidad and Tobago Turkey UAE USAAntigua Australia Canada Ghana India Jamaica Mexico Singapore South Africa Switzerland Thailand UAE USA2014Australia Bangladesh Brazil Canada Hong Kong Iceland, India Jamaica Malaysia New Zealand Nigeria South Africa Sri Lanka Thailand UAE USAAustralia Canada Hong Kong Israel Jamaica Malaysia Nigeria South Africa2015Australia Canada Hong Kong India Jamaica Kenya Mexico New Zealand Nigeria Norway Philippines South Africa St Lucia Switzerland Tanzania Thailand Turkey UAE Ukraine USAAustralia Brazil Canada Jamaica Malaysia New Zealand Nigeria Norway Philippines South Africa Switzerland Tanzania Thailand Trinidad & Tobago UAE USA

Immigration: Biometrics

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there is a maximum time her Department expects a person to travel for in order to enrol biometrics for a biometric residence permit.

James Brokenshire: There is no maximum time the Department expects a person to travel in order to enrol their biometric information for a biometric residence permit.There are 115 Post Office branches across the UK providing the biometric enrolment service; these are primarily located in or around cities and towns where the majority of applicants are residing. The extension of the service to other locations would be a commercial consideration for the Post Office Ltd.

Visas: Ministers of Religion

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what security checks are in place to verify Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa applications.

James Brokenshire: All out of country entry clearance applications are subject to an extensive range of mandatory and discretionary checks.These include, but are not limited to, identity, travel document verification, searches against national and international police records and against previous Immigration history. Biographic and biometric checks can also be made.

Visas: Ministers of Religion

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa applications have been refused in each of the last five years.

James Brokenshire: The requested information is given in the table below:Entry clearance visa resolutions (grants, refusals, withdrawn or lapsed): Tier 2 Minister of Religion Year Resolvedof which GrantedRefusedWithdrawn or lapsed2009459372834201046836597620114333428652012365303611201352444179420145013989942015492411792Note: Tier 2 Visas were introduced in November 2008, and replaced pre-PBS visas.Source: Immigration Statistics Oct-Dec 2015, Home Office, table vi_01_q.The latest quarterly Home Office immigration statistics on entry clearance visas are published in ‘Immigration Statistics, October-December 2015’, available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office website at:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-statistics

EU Countries: Nationality

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect on the UK of the introduction of citizenship-by-investment schemes by other EU member states; and what representations she has made on increasing transparency in that area.

Kelly Tolhurst: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with her EU counterparts on citizenship-for-investment schemes.

James Brokenshire: We are monitoring such schemes and are in contact with other EU Member States where appropriate. Every country has the right to decide its own citizenship laws, but we would object if another Member State made changes that could lead to abuse of free movement rights.

European Arrest Warrants

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many surrenders of suspects to and from the UK there have been under the European Arrest Warrant since April 2015.

James Brokenshire: Figures for this period are not yet available. They will be released by the National Crime Agency when they have been verified later in the year.The following statistics provide a breakdown of surrenders to and from the UK under European Arrest Warrants between 2009 – 2015. These are shown in the form of figures from April to the end of March of each year. Surrenders to the UK2009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-15TotalSurrenders110130144123140138785 Surrenders from the UK2009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-15TotalSurrenders7721,1001,0761,0571,0671,0936,165

UK Membership of EU

Tom Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on (a) border security and (b) terror threats of the UK leaving the EU.

James Brokenshire: At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU. The Government published a white paper, ‘The best of both worlds’, on 22 February, which sets out how membership of the EU enhances our ability to co-operate with other EU Member States to combat crime and terrorism and keep all parts of the United Kingdom safe while maintaining our own border controls, remaining outside of the Schengen border-free area.

Animal Experiments

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce medical experimentation on live animals in England.

Karen Bradley: The Home Office is responsible for regulating the use of live animals in scientific research under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). The principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) are at the core of project authorisation under this legislation. Furthermore, these principles also extend to breeding, accommodation and care of protected animals.Animals can only be used where no scientifically satisfactory, non-animal alternative exists which has been suitably validated. The number of animals used must be reduced to the minimum needed to achieve the results sought. For those animals which are used, procedures must be refined as much as possible to cause the minimum pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.In addition the Home Office also works with the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) who work towards replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals in research. This has included projects such as CRACK IT which to date has invested over £15million with the aims to accelerate the availability of technologies which will deliver i) measurable 3Rs impacts, ii) new marketable products and iii) more efficient business processes.

Animal Experiments: Dogs

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to reduce the number of dogs used for medical experimentation.

Karen Bradley: Our annual statistics show that in 2014 less than 0.1% of animals used in research in Great Britain are dogs. Dogs are primarily used in procedures for regulatory testing. They are also used in other procedures such as nutritional studies and to better understand naturally occurring diseases and to develop treatments for dogs themselves.The Home Office is responsible for regulating the use of dogs in research under the Ani-mals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Dogs are a specially protected species under the Act and the Home Office will grant a project licence for a programme of work using dogs only where the purpose of the programme of work specified in the licence can be achieved only by their use; or where it is not practicable to obtain other suitable animals.Since 2010 the number of procedures performed on dogs has dropped nearly 30% from 5,782 in 2010 to 4,107 in 2014.

Islamic State

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of (a) men, (b) women and (c) children who have travelled to those parts of Syria and Iraq which are controlled by Daesh in each of the last two years.

Mr John Hayes: We believe approximately 800 UK linked individuals of national security concern have travelled to take part in the Syrian conflict since it began. Of those who are known to have travelled, about half have returned. This number will include men, women, and some individuals who were under 18 at the point of travel.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UK membership of EU

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what notification he has received on whether there are (a) constitutional requirements and (b) potential legal proceedings in other EU member states related to the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016.

Mr David Lidington: It is for the relevant national authorities in other Member States to determine their constitutional requirements and potential legal proceedings.The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016 was agreed to by all Member States and is now a legally binding document that has been registered with the United Nations as an international treaty.

UK membership of EU

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assurances or opinions has he received from the government or constitutional bodies in (a) France and (b) Germany on whether the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016, would require a vote in the parliament of that country.

Mr David Lidington: It is for the relevant national authorities in France and Germany to determine their parliamentary proceedings.The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016 was agreed to by all Member States and is now a legally binding document that has been registered with the United Nations as an international treaty.

UK Membership of EU: Referendums

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2.1 of The process for withdrawing from the European Union, CM9216, what procedure will be adopted in the event of votes to remain and to leave being identical during the oncoming referendum on the UK's EU membership.

Mr David Lidington: The procedure in the unlikely eventuality of a tied vote is not provided for under the European Union Referendum Act 2015, or the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000.

Russia: BBC World Service

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much funding the BBC World Service's Russian language service received in each year from 2008 to date.

Mr David Lidington: The BBC World Service advises that the Russian language service received the following funding from 2007/2008 to 2013/2014:2007/08: £4.3 million2008/09: £5.2 million2009/10: £5.3 million2010/11: £5.2 million2011/12: £3.6 million2012/13: £3.4 million2013/14: £3.4 millionThe figures from April 2014 are not available.The BBC World Service will receive up to £85 million per year until 2020 to fund additional services to their existing programmes, in addition to licence fee funding.

European Council

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the legal effect is of registering the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council on 18 and 19 February 2016, with the UN.

Mr David Lidington: The Decision of the Heads of State or Government is a treaty between the 28 Member States. Article 102 of the UN Charter and Article 80 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties provide that every treaty and every international agreement shall be registered with the UN Secretariat. Registration with the UN is a clear indicator that the document is a treaty.

Lebanon: Refugees

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the number of people joining terrorist groups from the Palestinian camps in Lebanon in the last five years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We are aware of extremist elements within the camps, and that there have been reported links between some individuals within the camps and terrorist groups. As with many aspects of Lebanese stability, we monitor this issue closely through project work and our engagement with the Lebanese Government seeks to ensure that security is maintained and the influence of extremist and terrorist groups is diminished.

Lebanon: Refugees

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is providing to the Lebanese government to prevent recruitment to terrorist groups from the Palestinian camps in Lebanon.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As part of the UK’s global work countering terrorism and extremism, the UK is supporting Lebanon to prevent the recruitment of individuals to violent extremist groups. This support includes supporting moderate Sunni religious voices in Lebanon, training young Muslim leaders on countering extremist narratives, and supporting the reform of the Lebanese school curriculum to educate young people on tolerance and citizenship values. This financial year we are spending £1.15 million within the camps to support Palestinian youth networks to bolster community stability and build resilience against extremism. This includes supporting young people in the development of solutions to community-level problems, increasing civic participation, developing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the production of youth-led counter extremist narratives.

Lebanon: Refugees

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the Government has given to the Lebanese government to assist with the refugee situation in that country.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK has contributed over £330 million to support Lebanon since the start of the Syria crisis. Our priorities have been to support refugees and host communities, and strengthen the ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces to protect against armed groups at the border at terrorism.On 4 February the UK co-hosted the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region 2016’ conference which secured over $11 billion in pledges from the international community for Syria’s neighbours, including Lebanon. This was the largest sum raised for a cause in a single day.

Jordan: Peace Negotiations

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the Government has provided for the generations for peace programmes in Jordan.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Government has provided no support for the Generations for Peace programme in Jordan. The UK has contributed £228m to support peace and stability in Jordan since the start of the Syria crisis.

Rohingya: Human Rights

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps the Government has taken to tackle human rights violations against the Rohingya.

Mr Hugo Swire: We continue to press the Burmese authorities, both in public and in private, to take urgent steps to tackle the appalling situation of the Rohingya by improving security and the humanitarian situation, lifting restrictions on freedom of movement and finding a sustainable solution on citizenship. I pressed the government of Burma on this in July 2015 when I visited Rakhine State for the second time. Most recently, I raised the issue with the Burmese Foreign Minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, in September 2015 in New York.Addressing Rakhine and the persecution of the Rohingya community is one of the most pressing challenges facing the incoming government in Burma. We will continue our efforts to address the serious human rights violations against the community with the new administration.

Palestinians: Recognition of States

Jo Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on recognising Palestine as a state since the House of Commons vote on this matter in October 2014.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Since the debate on 13 October 2014, neither the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) nor I have had any discussions with Ministerial colleagues on this subject.

Palestinians

Jo Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on the recognition of Palestinian statehood; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The British Government reserves the right to recognise a Palestinian state bilaterally at a moment of our choosing and when it can best help bring about peace. We are clear that we want to see the creation of a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security, side by side with Israel. Only a negotiated settlement can achieve this.

Libya: Security

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received from his US counterpart on the security situation in Libya; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Philip Hammond) spoke with US Secretary of State Kerry on 29 February and discussed a range of issues, including Libya. We have regular discussions with international partners, including the United States, in support of the Libya Political Agreement, including on security matters.

Libya: Islamic State

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is providing to the Libyan government to assist the removal of Daesh from Sirte; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We must take action to prevent Daesh from using Libya as a base from which to plan and carry out attacks.That is why we are working closely with international partners to develop a comprehensive approach to defeating it. Initial planning has focused on building the capabilities of Libyan security forces to provide their own security. We will seek early discussions with a Libyan Government of National Accord.

Egypt: Freedom of Expression

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will discuss the imprisonment of Ahmed Naji with his Egyptian counterpart; and if he will make representations on the freedom of expression in Egypt during that discussion.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: My officials are aware of Mr Naji's case and will continue to follow further developments.Political progress is essential for Egypt's long-term stability. This includes freedom of expression in all its forms. We also want to see better protection of Egyptians' constitutional rights. Ministers and officials regularly raise our concerns with their Egyptian counterparts.We will continue to urge the Government of Egypt to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of speech, including the right of freedom of expression for journalists and writers to operate. The UK has clearly stated that freedom of expression is fundamental to building a democratic society.

Syria: Peace Negotiations

Jo Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether areas where (a) Al Nusra and (b) other UN Security Council designated terrorist groups are mixed with the moderate opposition are included in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Syria; and what assessment he has made of whether such arrangements are being honoured by (i) the Assad government and (ii) Russia.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Syria does not apply to Daesh, Jabhat al-Nusra, or other terrorist organisations as designated by the UN Security Council. Discussions over the delineation of territory under the control of those groups are ongoing between the US, Russia and International Syria Support Group members. Our view is that any attacks on Jabhat al-Nusra or other designated terrorist organisations must be highly targeted in order to maintain the Cessation of Hostilities, to have the desired counter-terrorism effects and to ensure that no non-combatants come under attack. Our assessment is that since the start of the Cessation of Hostilities there has been a significant reduction in violence, although there have also been a number of violations, most of which we assess to have been carried out by the regime.

Burundi: Peacekeeping Operations

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how the Government plans to use its position on the UN Security Council to help facilitate diplomatic negotiations on protecting civilians in Burundi; and if the Government will negotiate for a UN police peacekeeping mission with a Chapter VII mandate.

James Duddridge: The UK has been at the forefront of UN Security Council efforts to seek an end to violence in Burundi in order to protect civilians. Under the UK’s Presidency, the Security Council passed Resolution 2248 in November 2015, which among other things authorised the Secretary General to send a mission to Burundi to help create conditions for dialogue. Dialogue is crucial to securing a peaceful and stable outcome to the current crisis. During my visit to Burundi in December 2015 I used meetings with Burundian Foreign Minister Alain Nyamitwe, and Major General Prime Niyongabo, Army Chief of Staff, to press the Government of Burundi to engage in inclusive dialogue without preconditions. At the African Union (AU) Summit in January, I also discussed the situation in Burundi with AU Chairperson Madame Zuma, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Chergui and Burundian Foreign Minister Nyamitwe. The UK also made these points as part of a Security Council visit to Burundi in January this year. We have urged the Burundian government to accept an international peacekeeping deployment, which would render a Chapter VII mission unnecessary.

South Africa: Poverty

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's expenditure on the Bloodhound Supersonic Car project in South Africa on reducing poverty in that country.

James Duddridge: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has incurred no expenditure on the development of the Bloodhound Supersonic Car.

Afghanistan: Children

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on the use of child soldiers by the Afghan local police.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Afghanistan is one of seven countries included in the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan’s campaign “Children, Not Soldiers” which aims to end the recruitment and use of children by Afghan Government security forces.We share the concerns of the UN Special Representative on the continued recruitment of children in the Afghan security forces, and the lack of oversight of recruitment for the local police forces. While Afghanistan has made some progress, including the adoption of a presidential decree criminalizing child recruitment by Government security forces in 2015, significant efforts are needed to fully implement the Action Plan.The UK welcomes the creation of six child protection units in recruitment centres and is encouraging Afghanistan to expand this to all provinces. We urge the Government of Afghanistan to hold to account the perpetrators of child recruitment.

Occupied Territories

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of Lord Bridges of Headley, of 25 February 2016, Official Report, column 396, on public bodies: Israel, what the Government's policy is on whether the Occupied Palestinian Territories are a territory of Israel under the definition of the World Trade Organisaiton.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The World Trade Organisation does not define the territory of its members. The UK does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel in 1967. We therefore do not consider the Occupied Palestinian Territories to be part of Israel.

UK Membership of EU

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the steps that would be needed to give effect to the legal agreement signed by the EU member states based on the revised terms of EU membership negotiated by the Prime Minister; and what the role of the Council of Ministers, the Commission, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice will be in giving legal effect to that agreement.

Mr David Lidington: No further steps are needed to give legal effect to the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016. The Decision will come into effect on the same date as the UK informs the Secretary-General of the Council of its decision in the referendum to remain in the EU. It will then be for the member States and the EU institutions to implement the Decision. The steps required of the institutions and the Member States to do so are set out in the Decision.

UK Membership of EU

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Prime Minister's Statement of 22 February 2016, Official Report, column 23, on the European Council, when the reforms secured by the Prime Minister will become legally binding.

Mr David Lidington: Holding answer received on 09 March 2016



The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union became legally binding from the point it was adopted by the Heads of State or Government on 19 February 2016. This Decision shall take effect on the same date at the Government of the United Kingdom informs the Secretary-General of the Council that the United Kingdom has decided to remain a member of the European Union.

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Apprentices: Construction

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many people were undertaking a construction apprenticeship in the most recent period for which figures are available; and how many of those people are studying for an NVQ (a) Level 2 and (b) Level 3.

Nick Boles: There were 32,980 learners participating in Apprenticeships on the ‘Construction, Planning and the Built Environment’ Sector Subject Area (SSA) in the 2014/15 academic year, the most recent period for which data is available. In the same period 26,300 Apprentices on the ‘Construction, Planning and Build Environment’ SSA participated in Level 2 NVQ component aims and 6,050 participated in Level 3 NVQ component aims.

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills: Sheffield

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many people he estimates will (a) relocate to London and (b) leave his Department following the announcement to close his Department's Sheffield office.

Joseph Johnson: The intention to close the BIS Sheffield office at St Paul’s Place is subject to consultation with the Departmental Trade Unions. These are taking place now and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate how many staff will relocate to London or leave the Department.

Work Experience

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many representations he has received on the exploitation of unpaid trials in the (a) service, (b) print and (c) retail sector.

Nick Boles: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, BIS Ministers and officials are in frequent contact with a wide range of stakeholders on labour market issues, including issues around internships. The Low Pay Commission also consults on a range of issues, including internships, and submits its findings to Government each year to inform its recommendations on the National Minimum Wage. We are not aware of any recent, formal representations relating only to exploitation of unpaid interns in the specified sectors.

Adult Education: Public Consultation

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when his Department plans to publish a response to his Department's consultation, A dual mandate for adult vocational education, which closed in June 2015.

Nick Boles: Holding answer received on 03 March 2016



The Dual Mandate for adult vocational education was published by the previous Government. Since the election of the new Government there have been a number of significant developments including: the commitment to 3 million apprenticeship starts between 2015 and 2020; the announcement of a levy to fund apprenticeships; the new Institute of Apprenticeships; the commission to Lord Sainsbury to review routes to employment; devolution of adult education funding and responsibilities to combined authorities; commitment to Institutes of Technology; the launch of area reviews; a spending review which has protected adult education from further cuts. Taken together these amount to a sea change in the Government approach to Professional and Technical Education and associated landscape. We have used the responses to the Dual Mandate to shape our thinking and will continue to do so.

UK Membership of EU: Referendums

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to page 15 of the report, The process of withdrawing from the EU, published on 29 February 2016, if he will place in the Library a copy of the UK Schedules of Commitments with 161 WTO members which would have to be updated were the UK to leave the EU.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 04 March 2016



  The UK’s schedules of commitments under the WTO form part of the EU’s schedules of commitments and are publicly available on the WTO website.

UK Membership of EU: Referendums

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what automatic access (a) the UK would have to the markets of other WTO members and (b) other WTO members would have to the markets of the UK if the UK leaves the EU.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 04 March 2016



The paper published on 2nd March entitled “Alternatives to membership: possible models for the United Kingdom outside the European Union” makes clear that if the UK were to leave the EU, then unless we were able to negotiate a preferential trade deal under WTO rules neither the UK nor the EU could offer each other better market access than that offered to all other WTO members. Furthermore, our privileged access to 53 markets outside the EU through the EU’s Free Trade Agreements would be terminated. We could seek to negotiate new agreements, but this would take many years. It would be difficult to replicate the terms that we currently enjoy. A WTO-only arrangement would create a particularly difficult dilemma for the UK over trade tariffs. We could extend the tariffs that the EU currently applies to all WTO members to UK imports from the EU, but this would make those imports more expensive. Conversely, lowering UK tariffs would make imports cheaper, but there is no guarantee that this would be reciprocated. In addition, our guaranteed access to global services markets, including within the EU, would revert to the basic level of access that WTO members offer through the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March to Question 28299, on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, if he will estimate the cost to his Department of each of the 12 rounds of negotiations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the (a) total number and (b) cost has been of (i) flights, (ii) rail journeys and (iii) taxi journeys taken by (A) ministers, (B) special advisers and (C) officials of his Department related to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiation process; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 07 March 2016



The European Commission conducts trade negotiations – including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) – on behalf of the EU and, where appropriate, Member States. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills does not therefore incur the direct costs of the TTIP negotiating rounds.  It is rare that travel undertaken by Ministers and officials relates solely to TTIP, but will usually encompass other issues. Officials within the Transatlantic and International Unit in my Department have the lead policy responsibility for TTIP as well as certain other international matters. The total travel expenditure by these officials in 2014/15 was £25,081, in 2015/16 £14,269. The cost to the Department of any travel undertaken in relation to TTIP is greatly offset by the economic prize that an ambitious agreement offers. Independent analysis shows that a comprehensive TTIP agreement could give an annual boost to the UK economy of as much as £10 billion each year.

Cars: Technology

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much the Government has invested into research and development of future car technologies in each of the last three years.

Anna Soubry: The Government is fully committed to the continuing success of the automotive sector and supports the development of future car technologies through a variety of mechanisms depending on the technology and stage of development. The most significant sources of funding are set out in the following table: 13/1414/1515/16BIS (incl. Innovate UK & Advanced Propulsion Centre)1040.527.7Office for Low Emission Vehicles17.58.910.5Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (BIS, DfT & HMT) 15.7523.75Total (£M)27.565.1561.95 In addition the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has invested £127M in research relevant to the automotive sector since FY 13/14.In the last Spending Review my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed Government funding for the Advanced Propulsion Centre out to 2023 and announced additional support for automotive R&D of £225m from 2023 to 2026.

Trade Agreements: North America

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, who will take the decision on whether (a) the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and (b) the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership are agreements requiring ratification by Parliament; and when such a decision will be taken.

Anna Soubry: The decision as to whether the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will be mixed agreements will be taken by the EU and its Member States when each agreement is signed.

Post Office: Small Businesses

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will make representations to the Post Office on providing free business banking services to small and medium-sized enterprises.

George Freeman: The provision of services at post offices is the operational responsibility of the Post Office. Post Office offers a Retail (consumer) Bank Account direct to its own customers and, like any other business, can only offer services which are commercially sustainable for the business. The Post Office does not offer a Business (SME) type Bank Account direct to small businesses.In addition to its own consumer financial services, the Post Office has offered access to ‘basic bank branch’ services for business and personal banking customers of almost all high street banks for a number of years. The banks charge their customers at the applicable rate agreed in their customer terms and conditions. The Post Office provides the services free to the customer at the counter, based on a series of commercial agreements with the banks. These agreements have recently been reviewed and discussed as part of the industry response to the Government sponsored ‘Access to Banking Protocol’ from March 2015.The Post Office believes that personal and business customers of all banks would benefit from being able to continue to access existing basic banking services at Post Office branches, making sure that all communities can access banking services locally.

UK Membership of EU

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) level of tariffs which UK businesses would operate in the event of the UK leaving the EU and negotiating a free trade deal with the EU equivalent to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement between the EU and Canada and (b) costs of customs checks and rules of origin requirements for UK businesses in the event of the UK leaving the EU; and what the annual value to the UK economy is of the EU's trade agreements with third parties.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 08 March 2016



  At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's position, as set out by the Prime Minister to the House on 22 February, is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. The document “Alternatives to membership: possible models for the United Kingdom, outside the European Union”, published on 2 March, looks at the potential models for the UK’s relationship with the European Union, including negotiated bilateral agreements, such as the recent EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement. It concludes that such an agreement would bring significantly less advantageous terms for UK trade than those we currently enjoy, with particular issues for UK services losing access to the Single Market. The estimated value to the UK of EU FTA negotiations that have already been concluded is around £ 2.5 billion.

Minimum Wage: Enforcement

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2016 to Question 28094, on minimum wage: enforcement, if he will provide details of the assurance process used to make sure that employers who have been found to be non-compliant with the national minimum wage have fully self-corrected their pay system and paid all workers any national minimum wage arrears that they are owed.

Nick Boles: The assurance process involves Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) performing a sample check that arrears have been paid to workers under self-correction. Workers are selected and contacted by telephone and correspondence to confirm that they have received the arrears they are owed, and the amount that the employer has reported. If HMRC do not receive a self-correction report from the employer they will remind the company and then follow up with an unannounced visit, where appropriate. If HMRC has concerns following the above processes then an investigation is re-opened.

Department for International Development

Overseas Aid

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of developing an atrocity prevention lens framework similar to that used by the UN Office for the Prevention of Genocide to assist in decision-making on where to commit or remove bilateral aid and other aid assistance programmes.

Mr Nick Hurd: The UK continues to be strongly committed to early and effective international action to prevent mass atrocities, which are of grave concern to the Government. The National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 (SDSR) underlined the importance the Government attaches to upholding international humanitarian law and to the prevention of mass atrocities through effective implementation of the UN agreed principle of the Responsibility to Protect.The Government’s overseas network, strong international partnerships, and early warning mechanisms give the UK significant insight into emerging risks. HMG also produces an internal risk report on countries at risk of instability, which highlights regions in which there are increasing risks of instability, conflict and mass atrocities. The report draws on a wide range of sources and includes indicators that highlight the risk of mass atrocities occurring. The data assessment reflects best practice from NGOs and partner governments’ and is kept under regular review. Policy-makers also take into account atrocity risk analysis from partner governments, the UN and NGOs.As set out in the SDSR and the UK Aid Strategy, the response to conflict, atrocity and other risks uses diplomatic, development, defence and law enforcement capabilities in an integrated manner. As such, addressing and preventing conflict, instability and state failure is a key priority running through UK aid policies and programmes. This includes the prevention of identity-based mass violence, alongside other forms of violence and instability.

Overseas Aid

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of allowing for more security-related expenditure within the definition of Official Development Assistance on maintaining a distinction between development cooperation and policing missions for security.

Justine Greening: The updates to the ODA rules agreed at the 2016 High Level Meeting (18-19 February 2016) mean that ODA can be used to support the military in fragile countries on issues that promote development, such as human rights and the prevention of sexual violence; this means the international community is better equipped to meet Global Goal 16, which calls for the stronger governance in developing countries to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

Turkey: Refugees

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment of the financial and humanitarian effect on Turkey of keeping its border with Syria open to refugees while restricting their access to the EU.

Justine Greening: The UK recognises Turkey’s extraordinary generosity in ably hosting so many refugees from Syria and elsewhere. The EU-Turkey Summit on 29 November 2015 highlighted the importance that the EU attaches to its wide-ranging partnership with Turkey and need to support Turkey in its hosting of Syrians. The EU and Turkey have agreed to an Action Plan and a €3 billion Refugee Facility for Turkey to help implement it. We have committed our share to the €3 billion Facility

Developing Countries: Private Sector

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans she has made to ensure that the safeguards on private sector instruments in the 19 February 2016 communiqué of the OECD Development Assistance Committees are implemented in the UK.

Justine Greening: The UK will comply with the agreement reached at the 2016 High Level Meeting (18-19 February 2016) in line with the timetable agreed by the OECD.

Developing Countries: Politics and Government

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on the stability of developing countries of the change in the OECD's Official Development Assistance definition.

Justine Greening: The changes agreed to the ODA system at the High Level Meeting uphold the primary purpose of ODA whilst improving the tools available to donors to address violence and promote stability in developing countries. The UK agrees with the OECD that these changes are essential in supporting delivery of Global Goal 16 on inclusive and peaceful societies.

Zambia: Vedanta

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what reports she has received on alleged river and soil pollution in Zambia by the UK firm Vedanta Resources.

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations she has received on alleged breaches of international environmental law by UK firm Vedanta Resources in Zambia.

Justine Greening: Vedenta Resources has no formal relationship with our DFID Zambia office.

Jordan: Refugees

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make it her policy to provide additional financial support for Jordan for the provision of (a) aid and (b) jobs for refugees in that country.

Justine Greening: The UK with other members of the international community agreed at the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference a comprehensive approach to tackling the impact of the Syria conflict. This included continued humanitarian support in Jordan and a ‘Jordan Compact’ aimed at improving the investment climate and creating jobs for both Jordanians and refugees from Syria. Funding and implementation arrangements are currently being finalised.

Overseas Aid

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if her Department will consider developing an atrocity prevention lens similar to the framework used by the UN Office for the Prevention of Genocide to assist in decision-making on bilateral aid and other aid assistance programmes.

Mr Nick Hurd: The UK continues to be strongly committed to early and effective international action to prevent mass atrocities, which are of grave concern to the Government. The National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 (SDSR) underlined the importance the Government attaches to upholding international humanitarian law and to the prevention of mass atrocities through effective implementation of the UN agreed principle of the Responsibility to Protect.The Government’s overseas network, strong international partnerships, and early warning mechanisms give the UK significant insight into emerging risks. HMG also produces an internal risk report on countries at risk of instability, which highlights regions in which there are increasing risks of instability, conflict and mass atrocities. The report draws on a wide range of sources and includes indicators that highlight the risk of mass atrocities occurring. The data assessment reflects best practice from NGOs and partner governments’ and is kept under regular review. Policy-makers also take into account atrocity risk analysis from partner governments, the UN and NGOs.As set out in the SDSR and the UK Aid Strategy, the response to conflict, atrocity and other risks uses diplomatic, development, defence and law enforcement capabilities in an integrated manner. As such, addressing and preventing conflict, instability and state failure is a key priority running through UK aid policies and programmes. This includes the prevention of identity-based mass violence, alongside other forms of violence and instability.

International Assistance

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what domestic programmes the Government has developed to help deliver the Global Goals for Sustainable Development which were adopted in September 2015.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether the Government has produced a strategy to implement the Sustainable Development Goals since the adoption of the Global Goals in September 2015.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what programmes the Government plans to develop to fulfil its international obligations on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to the Answer of 25 January 2016 to Question 22766, on the sustainable development goals, what role she plans officials of the Cabinet Office will have in overseeing the implementation strategy of those goals.

Justine Greening: The UK Government as a whole is committed to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Government’s manifesto sets out the plan of action for which it will be held accountable by the British people. This includes commitments relevant to each of the Goals, and it will guide our efforts to achieve them. The Global Goals are the starting point for, and will be embedded across, DFID’s work. Other Government Departments will lead on their respective policy areas.

Department for Education

GCSE: Standards

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what she expects the pass mark to be for each one to nine grade in the new GCSE grading system in (a) English, (b) science, (c) mathematics and (d) a modern foreign language in 2017.

Nick Gibb: This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have therefore asked its Chief Regulator, Glenys Stacey, to write directly to the Honourable Member. A copy of her reply will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

Department for Education: Publications

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) publications, (b) consultation documents and (c) circulars her Department has issued since August 2012; and what the title was of each such publication, consultation document or circular.

Nick Gibb: Since August 2012 the Department for Education has issued: 997 publications[1] and 121 consultation exercises. Since 2012 a digital-by-default policy has applied to departmental publications and consultations. These are available on GOV.UK.The department no longer uses the term circulars as a publication type. The department issues emails to schools and local authorities periodically to draw their attention to information and guidance that has been published on GOV.UK. 321 such email newsletters were issued in the period in question. These are referenced by the date issued and audience, and so there is no list of titles available.Attachment A shows the titles of DfE publications since August 2012.Attachment B shows the titles of DfE consultations carried out since August 2012.[1] This information has been sourced from GOV.UK. It is possible that some records may be incomplete for the period prior to the migration to GOV.UK (August 2012 to August 2013).



Attachment A
(Excel SpreadSheet, 73.32 KB)




Attachment B
(Word Document, 27.51 KB)

GCSE

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many young people left school without a Grade C in GCSE English and maths in each region in each of the last five academic years.

Nick Gibb: The number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 without at least a grade C in GCSE English and maths in 2014/2015 can be deduced from Table LA1 of the local authority tables published in the “Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England 2014 to 2015” statistical first release.[1] This table shows the percentage of pupils who achieved an A*-C in English and mathematics GCSEs including equivalents, including the total number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in each local authority and region – from which the number and percentage of pupils not achieving a grade C in English and mathematics can be determined. Equivalent information for the previous four academic years is published in Table 15 in 2013/14[2] and Table 16 of the releases for earlier years.[3][4][5][1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-2014-to-2015 (Local authority tables: SFR 01/2016)[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-2013-to-2014 (Subject and LA tables: SFR 02/2015)[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-academic-year-2010-to-2011 (Additional tables: SFR 02/2012)[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-academic-year-2011-to-2012 (Additional tables: SFR 02/2013)[5] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-2012-to-2013-revised (Subject and LA tables: SFR 01/2014)

Teachers: Bureaucracy

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to reduce teacher workload during this Parliament.

Nick Gibb: Removing unnecessary workload for teachers is a priority for this government.In October 2014, we launched the ‘Workload Challenge’ asking teachers for views on how to tackle unnecessary workload. On 6 February 2015, we published our response to the Workload Challenge Survey which included a comprehensive programme of action. Additionally, we have set up three review groups to address the three biggest issues emerging from the Workload Challenge – ineffective marking, use of planning and resources, and data management. The groups will report to the Secretary of State shortly with principles for teaching practice and recommendations on how to eliminate unnecessary workload. The response to the survey can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/415874/Government_Response_to_the_Workload_Challenge.pdfIt is clear that the issues are complex and change will take time. We will continue to work with the teaching profession to make sure they have the ongoing support they need. We are currently taking forward the first biennial Teacher Workload Survey, a commitment from the Workload Challenge. This commitment will allow us to track teacher workload over the coming years so that action can be taken if needed.

National Curriculum Tests

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has consulted teachers' unions on implementation of the new assessments at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Nick Gibb: Throughout the introduction of our important reforms to primary assessment, we have worked closely with teachers, head teachers and their union representatives.In addition to regular discussion between teacher unions and officials, we launched two public consultations ahead of the changes: one on primary assessment and accountability from July to October 2013 and another on teacher assessment arrangements from October to December 2014. We received a large volume of diverse feedback, including from teachers unions, and this was given proper consideration in developing the new arrangements.We continue to listen to the concerns of the profession as the details of the new arrangements are finalised. On 9 February, I met Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, to discuss teacher assessment arrangements. I subsequently wrote to Mr Hobby to summarise our discussion and address some of his concerns; that letter was published on 19 February and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-assessments-letter-from-nick-gibb-to-the-naht. I am also due to meet representatives from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Union of Teachers in the coming weeks.

National Curriculum Tests

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence her Department holds that increasing the national expectations in writing from 4b to 5c will improve the outcomes in writing for children at the end of Key Stage 2.

Nick Gibb: The Government has set a more a challenging expected standard for assessment at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) to reflect the high expectations set by the new national curriculum. The curriculum standards align with the highest performing jurisdictions internationally and have been raised because too many children who met the old expected standard at the end of primary school did not go on to achieve at least five good GCSEs.The new expected standard is not, however, equivalent to the old level 5c for KS2 English writing or any other subject. While there will be no need to make comparison to the old national curriculum levels once the new system is established, we have been clear that the new expected standard is broadly equivalent to 4b.The Standards and Testing Agency published exemplification materials for KS2 writing in early February to support teachers in making their teacher assessment judgements. These were developed in consultation with a number of teacher panels and are real examples of work by pupils currently in year 6. The materials show two examples of pupils assessed as working at the expected standard: one shows work that has met the expected standard and is broadly equivalent to the old 4b, while another shows work at the higher end of the expected standard. We have published these two different examples to show the breadth of competence covered by ‘meeting the expected standard’. I have asked the Standards and Testing Agency to issue further guidance to schools shortly to clarify the assessment arrangements and eliminate any misunderstandings.

National Curriculum Tests

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has conducted a workload impact assessment in respect of the introduction of the new Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 assessments.

Nick Gibb: The removal of unnecessary workload is a priority and is considered carefully when introducing any significant change for schools. Our primary assessment reforms have been designed to put arrangements for the majority of classroom assessment back into the hands of the school and to reduce the tracking burdens that national curriculum levels encouraged. We believe schools are best placed to decide how to assess pupils in line with their curriculum and that over time this should lead to a reduction in workload for teachers so that their efforts can focus on teaching.Following the introduction of the new national curriculum and the removal of levels, we have developed new forms of statutory assessment at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. The duty to report assessment at these points remains unchanged from previous years. We do recognise, however, that in this first year the new forms of assessment are used pupils and teachers will be adapting their approach. Significant reforms take time to embed and the best way to prepare pupils remains to focus on teaching the new national curriculum, which schools have been doing since September 2014.Throughout the introduction of our important reforms to primary assessment, we have worked closely with teachers and head teachers and continue to listen to the concerns of the profession as the details of the new arrangements are finalised. We are working constructively with the teaching profession and their representatives to find solutions to some of the remaining issues.

Children's Centres

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 29 February 2016 to Question 28207, how many and which local authorities have notified her Department about plans to dispose of grant-funded assets through the (a) sale, (b) transfer and (c) change of use of children's centres.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The decision whether to dispose of grant funded assets is a local issue. We have a thorough process in place to consider whether the local authority should be subject to claw back as a result of the disposal of grant funded assets which was outlined in the response to Question 28207.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Julie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many summer school programmes there were for disadvantaged students transitioning from primary to secondary school in (a) 2014 and (b) 2015.

Mr Sam Gyimah: In 2014, approximately 2,121 secondary schools received summer school grant funding. This figure rose to 2,259 in 2015.

Children: Hearing Impairment

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many deaf children attended mainstream schools in England in each of the last 10 years; and how many such children were taught British Sign Language in each of those years.

Edward Timpson: The number of children with special educational needs (SEN) who have ‘hearing impairment’ listed as their primary need can be found in the annual statistical first release ‘Special Educational Needs in England’ on GOV.UK. Table 1, below, provides collated figures for the last ten years, for pupils attending state-funded primary and secondary schools. These figures include children in resourced provision or SEN units but not children in special schools. There will be children whose primary need is not ‘hearing impairment’ but who, nevertheless, have a hearing impairment. These children are not covered by this information.From September 2014 the ’SEN support’ category replaced the ’school action’ and ‘school action plus’ categories. Those recoded, in 2015, as having ‘SEN support’ but who were formerly included in the ‘school action’ category will not previously have had a primary type of need recorded. This is likely to have contributed to the large increase – between 2014 and 2015 – in the numbers of children recorded as having a hearing impairment.The Department does not collect statistics on the number of deaf children in mainstream schools who are being taught British Sign Language.Table 1:Year2006200720082009201020112012201320142015State funded primary schools6,3906,5706,6506,8607,2307,3707,5107,6107,9159,275State funded secondary schools5,5105,6705,9806,3506,7307,0807,1257,2257,1258,705Total11,90012,24012,63013,21013,96014,45014,63514,83515,04017,980The links to published data can be found here:2015https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20152014https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20142013https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20132012https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20122011https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20112010https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20102009http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00196058/special-educational-needs2008http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00195802/pupils-with-special-educational-needs2007http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00195520/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-20072006http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00195201/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-2006

National Curriculum Tests

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent representations she has received from teachers and teachers representatives on changes to assessment procedures at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Holding answer received on 04 March 2016



Throughout the introduction of our important reforms to primary assessment, we have worked closely with teachers, head teachers and their union representatives. Recently, these discussions have focused on primary schools adjusting to our new, more rigorous standards and particularly to the use of the new interim teacher assessment frameworks.The Department has received recent correspondence on these issues from teachers and head teachers, to which we are responding. There have also been two e-petitions to cancel both the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests in light of the new arrangements, which reached 10,000 signatures and will receive written Government responses shortly.On 9 February, I met Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, to discuss teacher assessment arrangements. I subsequently wrote to Mr Hobby to summarise our discussion and address some of his concerns; that letter was published on 19 February and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-assessments-letter-from-nick-gibb-to-the-naht. This letter included confirmation that I have agreed to introduce a revised deadline of 30 June for teacher assessment submission this year in recognition of the unique circumstance of teachers working with a new framework to new standards.In February, the Department has also received separate letters from Deborah Lawson, General Secretary of Voice; Mary Bousted, General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL); and Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT). I will be responding shortly and I am due to meet representatives from ATL and NUT in the coming weeks.Specifically, concerns have been made about the example materials of pupils’ work that the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) published in January and February. These are designed to support teachers in making their judgements and I have asked STA to produce a clarification document to address any misunderstandings.

Teachers: Training

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential effects of the establishment of the College of Teaching on (a) continuing professional development of teachers and (b) teaching standards.

Nick Gibb: The Government supports the establishment of a new College of Teaching, a new independent professional body for teachers. The College of Teaching has great potential to raise the status of the profession and improve standards through: supporting teachers to access accredited, high quality professional development; setting standards to determine effective professional practice; and helping teachers to use evidence on ‘what works’ to inform their own practice.

Teachers: Training

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress she has made on releasing funding for the establishment of the College of Teaching.

Nick Gibb: The Government welcomes plans to establish a College of Teaching. We are working with the College to discuss what Government support could be helpful in the initial set-up phase of the new body.

Teachers: Training

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions (a) she and (b) officials of her Department have had with the trustees of the College of Teaching.

Nick Gibb: Officials from the Department for Education have met regularly with representatives of the trustees, and also with the ‘Claim Your College’ consortium of education organisations that led plans to establish the new professional body. The Department is continuing to hold discussions with trustees on what Government support would be helpful for the College.

Children: Day Care

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that local authorities have the (a) financial and (b) other capacity to deliver free childcare to those people who are most deprived.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Since September 2014 around 40% of disadvantaged two-year-olds have been entitled to an early education place. In 2012 the Government contracted ‘Achieving 2-year-olds’ to support local authorities in expanding the two-year-old entitlement. This support is working, and data from the latest voluntary survey of local authorities shows that an estimated 182,000 children were funded during the seven week period in the autumn of 2015, as take-up of the entitlement has increased to 72% of eligible children. This is building on local authorities’ successful delivery of 15 hours of early education per week to all three- and four-year olds, with 99% of four-year-olds and 94% of three-year-olds taking up a place.The Government is investing in childcare at record levels, and total Government spend on childcare will increase from £5 billion in 2015-16 to over £6 billion by 2019-20. This includes almost £4 billion for the current free entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, disadvantaged two-year-olds and the early years pupil premium for three- and four-year-olds, as well as funding for the extended entitlement for working parents of three- and four-year-olds. The funding also includes £300 million for a significant uplift to the rate paid for the two, three and four-year-old entitlements, including for children from deprived backgrounds.

Children's Play

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of highlighting play as a key strand of the Government's policy on parenting and life chances.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning.Play is integral in the early years and is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework which states: “Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others.” The framework is attached and available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2The Government’s forthcoming Life Chances Strategy will set out a comprehensive plan to fight disadvantage and extend opportunity. Within this, we are considering how we can support early years and parenting to give children the best start in life.

Children: Day Care

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will provide ring-fenced funding to local authorities to ensure they can effectively meet the Government's childcare provision targets.

Mr Sam Gyimah: We have already announced over £1bn more for the early years entitlements within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant by 2019-20, which includes £300m to uplift the funding rate to providers. The increase to the funding rate is based on robust evidence from the Review of the Cost of Childcare. We have made clear our commitment to maximise the amount of this funding which reaches front line childcare providers, and will consult on proposals for achieving this as part of our consultation on early years funding reform later this year.

Pre-school Education: Special Educational Needs

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to ensure there is adequate funding for children with special educational needs in early years education.

Mr Sam Gyimah: We have already announced over £1bn more for the early years entitlements within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant by 2019-20, which includes £300m to uplift the funding rate to providers. We are also providing protection for high needs funding that will make sure that the level of funding rises in proportion to the number of children, including those under 5. This will make sure that local authorities continue to have the flexibility to target funding where it is most needed to help children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families, including the youngest children. Further consideration will be given to funding for children with special educational needs in early years education as part of consultation later this year.Local authorities are required by law to secure free entitlement places for parents that want their child to take them up. The Government is committed to ensuring that all families have access to high quality, flexible and affordable childcare and parents with children with special educational needs should have the same opportunities as other parents through access to high quality childcare. The Children and Families Act requires local authorities to have a ‘local offer’ which includes a statement on how they intend to tailor the childcare on offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Early implementation of 30 hours from September 2016 provides a real opportunity to develop innovative approaches to providing flexible childcare for working parents whose children are disabled or have special educational needs.Through Early Implementation, York, Northumberland, Newham and Wigan are among 8 LAs delivering the 30 hours entitlement from September 2016, a year earlier than planned. This will include delivering targeted places focusing on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.They will also be supported by Early Implementer Innovator areas including Brighton and Hove, Hampshire and Trafford, who will test the offer and how it works under specific circumstances, including developing approaches to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Further Education

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2016 to Question 24002, on further education, how many steering group meetings of area reviews of post-16 education and training in (a) Birmingham and Solihull, (b) Greater Manchester, (c) Sheffield City Region, (d) Tees Valley, (e) Sussex, (f) Solent and (g) West Yorkshire took place without representatives of the (i) regional schools commissioner and (ii) local enterprise partnership being present in each of the last six months.

Nick Boles: There are a range of ways in which Regional Schools Commissioners (RSCs) and members of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) can contribute to area reviews, for instance through the National Area Review Advisory Group.It is expected that there will be at least five steering group meetings in each review. To date all Wave 1 Area Reviews have held a number of local steering group meetings and RSCs and LEPs are members. They or their representatives have attended the majority of these meetings.In Birmingham and Solihull, one meeting in December 2015 took place without an RSC representative present.In Greater Manchester, one meeting in November 2015 took place without an RSC representative present and one meeting in December 2015 took place without either an RSC or LEP representative present.In Sheffield City Region, one meeting in December 2015 took place without an RSC representative present.In Tees Valley, all meetings have taken place with a RSC or LEP representative present.In Sussex, one meeting in February 2016 took place without an RSC representative present.In the Solent, one meeting in November 2015 and one meeting in January 2016 took place without an RSC representative present.In West Yorkshire, one meeting in November 2015, one meeting in December 2015 and one meeting in January 2016 took place without an RSC representative present.Both a RSC and LEP representative have been present at all other steering group meetings of the Wave 1 area reviews.

Schools: Road Traffic

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department issues to schools on tackling the problems of traffic congestion at the school gate during school drop-off and pick-up.

Nick Gibb: The local authority (LA) is responsible for enforcing parking restrictions around schools. The LA must also promote sustainable travel and transport, and strategies for encouraging walking, cycling and public transport should form part of that. The duty applies to all children and young people of compulsory school age who travel to receive education or training in a local authority’s area and is reinforced by the Department’s home to school transport statutory guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/445407/Home_to_School_Travel_and_Transport_Guidance.pdf

Children: Day Care

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to ensure that adequate ring-fenced funding is provided to local authorities so they can successfully deliver the Government's childcare provision targets.

Mr Sam Gyimah: We have already announced over £1bn more for the early years entitlements within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant by 2019-20, which includes £300m to uplift the funding rate to providers. The increase to the funding rate is based on robust evidence from the Review of the Cost of Childcare. We have made clear our commitment to maximise the amount of this funding which reaches front line childcare providers, and will consult on proposals for achieving this as part of our consultation on early years funding reform later this year.

Children's Play

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the recommendation in the report by Sense, Making the Case for Play, for play to be included as part of the ministerial brief of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Childcare and Education.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning. The importance of play is already recognised within the early years legislation covered by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Childcare and Education’s portfolio.Play is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework and states: Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. The framework is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2The staff working in early years settings as Early Years Educators (level 3) and Early Years Teachers (graduates) are required to have an understanding of different pedagogical approaches, including the role of play in supporting early learning and development. The criteria for the Early Years Educator and standards for Early Years Teacher Status qualifications are set by the department. However, it is the responsibility of early years settings to provide play opportunities for their children and pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.Ofsted registers childcare provision on the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register and conducts a regular cycle of inspection to ensure that provision meets the required quality and safety standards.In judging the quality and standards of early years provision, Ofsted inspectors must assess the extent to which the learning and care provided by the setting meets the needs of the range of children who attend, including the needs of any children who have special educational needs or disabilities. At August 2015, 85 per cent of providers on the Early Years Register were rated good or outstanding for overall effectiveness.

Primary Education: Free School Meals

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of how many schools in (a) rural and (b) non-rural areas will be unable to provide free school meals to qualifying children as a result of the discontinuation of the universal infant free meals small school support grant.

Mr Sam Gyimah: To help small schools with the transition to universal infant free school meals (UIFSM), we have paid them an extra £32.5m over two years, on top of general spending on the policy which amounts to around £600m a year. In the recent Spending Review we also protected funding for UIFSM at £2.30 a meal. We are not aware of any school that is unable to meet its statutory obligations to provide free school meals either to its infants or to older children in receipt of qualifying benefits.

Ministry of Justice

Prisoners' Release

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2016 to Question 18375, on prisoners' release, what the further offences were that those offenders were charged with.

Andrew Selous: This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.

Domestic Violence

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which (a) Local Community Safety partnerships, (b) Children's Social Services and (c) Local Safeguarding Children's Boards have (i) attended Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference meetings and (ii) signed information-sharing protocols with their Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Responsible Authorities in their local areas.

Mike Penning: The information requested in (i) and (ii) is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Forced Marriage

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many forced marriage protection orders (a) applied for and (b) issued have been emergency orders in each quarter since the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 came into force; and what proportion of such orders applied for have been issued in each of those quarters.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of applications for forced marriage protection orders have led to the issuing of an Order in each quarter since the Force Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 came into force.

Caroline Dinenage: Statistics on Forced Marriage Protection Orders are publicly available as part of the Family Courts Statistics Quarterly series at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/family-court-statistics-quarterly. Under this series, the document “Family court tables” provides statistics on the number of applications and orders made in each quarter since 2009. The next publication of Family Court Statistics Quarterly is due on 31 March 2016. This will provide data up to the end of December 2015. Specific data on the proportion of applications which have led to the issue of a Forced Marriage Protection order are set out in Table 1. The available data on “emergency protection orders” relates to ex parte applications for Forced Marriage Protection Orders and is set out in Tables 2a and 2b.

Forced Marriage: Convictions

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many convictions there have been for breach of forced marriage protection orders in each month since section 120 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force.

Caroline Dinenage: This information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/428937/outcomes-by-offence-tables.xlsx.The next available annual statistics will be published in May 2016.

Probation

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many full-time equivalent staff from (a) police, (b) probation and (c) prison services employed in multi-agency public protection arrangements work in each responsible authority (a) on the last date for which figures are available and (b) in each year since 2009-10.

Andrew Selous: The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) provide a statutory framework within which criminal justice and social care agencies are required to assess and manage the risk presented by sexual and violent offenders, with a view to reducing re-offending and protecting the public. MAPPA is not a statutory body in itself but is a mechanism through which agencies can better discharge their statutory responsibilities and protect the public in a co-ordinated manner. The Responsible Authorities – the Probation, Police and Prison Services acting jointly - have a duty to ensure that the risks posed by specified sexual and violent offenders are assessed and managed property. The work undertaken by the Responsible Authorities to manage these offenders can therefore not be disaggregated from the core business of agency management.

Missing Persons

Kevin Hollinrake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to (a) reduce the number and (b) support the families of people reported as missing for more than three months; and when he expects to bring forward legislative proposals on the proposed guardianship bill.

Dominic Raab: The government is currently reviewing the Missing Children and Adults strategy, originally published in 2011. We are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including the charity Missing People, to update the guidance given in relation to all cases of children and adults going missing. The refreshed strategy will be published later this year and will include measures relating to preventing people going missing and improving the responses by all agencies to the families of long-term missing persons. We will introduce legislation to create a new legal status of guardian of the property and affairs of a missing person as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Domestic Violence

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to ensure that the minutes and details of any actions resulting from a Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference are shared with National Probation Service staff.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will ensure that relevant National Probation Service staff attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences.

Andrew Selous: The Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) chair or coordinator for each local authority area is responsible for scheduling meetings and notifying partners (including the National Probation Service (NPS)) of cases that are to be discussed. A representative of the NPS attends any meetings where offenders subject to NPS supervision are to be discussed.

Domestic Violence

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases of repeat domestic abuse were dealt with by courts in each of the last six years.

Caroline Dinenage: This information is not held centrally.

Probation: Domestic Violence

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Community Rehabilitation Company and the National Probation Service work effectively together in dealing with domestic abuse offending.

Andrew Selous: The National Probation Service (NPS) Service Level Agreement and the contracts with the Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) make clear the importance of effective co-operation between the NPS and CRCs: there are mandatory local and national processes and structures in place to manage cases and to arrange transfer from the CRC to the NPS where there is an escalation of risk.

Probation: Domestic Violence

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the introduction of the National Probation Service on the supervision of offenders found guilty of domestic abuse.

Andrew Selous: The National Probation Service (NPS) is responsible for initial risk assessments in all cases, including domestic abuse. Following sentence, it allocates each case either to a Community Rehabilitation Company or to the NPS itself, depending upon the assessed level of risk. The NPS is responsible for the supervision of all offenders assessed as presenting a high risk of serious harm and those who are subject to multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA). These will include higher-risk and MAPPA offenders convicted for offences of domestic abuse. The performance of the NPS is closely monitored through a set of performance measures. In addition, HM Inspectorate of Probation has carried out a series of inspections of the early implementation of the previous Government’s Transforming Rehabilitation reforms.

Crimes of Violence: Children and Young People

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people aged (a) under 16, (b) between 16 to 18 and (c) between 18 to 25 have been (i) tried and (ii) convicted of violent offences which occurred within their own home in each year since 2010.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people aged (a) under 16, (b) between 16 to 18 and (c) between 18 to 25 have been (i) tried and (ii) convicted of a sexual offence in each year since 2010.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people aged (a) under 16, (b) between 16 to 18 and (c) between 18 to 25 have been (i) tried and (ii) convicted of harrassment in each year since 2010.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people aged (a) under 16, (b) between 16 to 18 and (c) between 18 to 25 have been (i) tried and (ii) convicted of indecent exposure in each year since 2010.

Andrew Selous: The information requested in respect of individuals tried and convicted for violent offences in their own home could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Youth offending has been falling since 2010. Compared to the year ending March 2010, in the year ending March 2015 there were 67% fewer first-time entrants to the youth justice system. However, reoffending rates are far too high and the care and supervision of young offenders in custody us not good enough. That is why the Justice Secretary has asked Charlie Taylor to conduct a review of youth justice. He will report back later this year with recommendations on how to improve the treatment of young people in our care. Table 1 below shows the latest available data on the number of defendants, in the requested age groups, proceeded against at magistrates’ courts and found guilty at all courts of exposure in England and Wales. Table 2 below shows the latest available data on the number of defendants, in the requested age groups, proceeded against at magistrates’ courts for offences relating to harassment in England and Wales.Table 3 below shows the latest available data on the number of defendants, in the requested age groups, found guilty at all courts for offences relating to harassment in England and Wales.Table 4 below shows the latest available data on the number of defendants, in the requested age groups, proceeded against at magistrates’ courts and found guilty at all courts of sexual offences in England and Wales. Court proceedings data for 2015 is planned for publication in May 2016.Table 1: Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of exposure (1), England and Wales, 2010 to 2014 (2)(3)   OutcomeAge group20102011201220132014   Proceeded against10 to 15321914131616 to 17423530322218 to 25203190151187212All 25 and under277244195232250   Found guilty10 to 1522141161016 to 17362623181718 to 25143134123131162All 25 and under201174157155189   (1) An offence under S66 Sexual Offences Act 2003(2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.   (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.   Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. Table 2: Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates' court for offences relating to harassment(1), by selected age, England and Wales, 2010-2014(2)(3)  Year 10 to 1516 to 1718 to 25Total  2010 2,1903,30612,09617,592  2011 1,5052,51810,20814,231  2012 9681,4997,91210,379  2013 7161,2047,2379,157  2014 5741,0656,2077,846  (1) It includes the following offences, published on the MoJ website at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2014125A Causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - summary8.12 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress8.14 Racially or religiously aggravated offence of harassment125A Causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - summary125C Causing harassment, alarm or distress - summary125D Racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress - summary195 Protection from Harassment Act 1997 S.2 - Summary offence of harassment196 Pursue course of conduct in breach of prohibition of harassment, which amounts to stalking8.08 Breach of the conditions of an injunction against harassment8.09 Other harassment - Putting people in fear of violence8.12 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress8.14 Racially or religiously aggravated offence of harassment8.13 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - words or writing  (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.  (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. Table 3: Number of offenders found guilty at all courts for offences relating to harassment(1), by selected age, England and Wales, 2010-2014(2)(3)(4)   Year 10 to 1516 to 1718 to 25 Total2010 1,5442,3579,808 13,709   2011 1,0211,8148,281 11,116   2012 6631,0746,302 8,039   2013 4318105,736 6,977   2014 3577234,903 5,983 (1) It includes the following offences, published on the MoJ website at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2014125A Causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - summary8.12 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress8.14 Racially or religiously aggravated offence of harassment125A Causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - summary125C Causing harassment, alarm or distress - summary125D Racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress - summary195 Protection from Harassment Act 1997 S.2 - Summary offence of harassment196 Pursue course of conduct in breach of prohibition of harassment, which amounts to stalking8.08 Breach of the conditions of an injunction against harassment8.09 Other harassment - Putting people in fear of violence8.12 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress8.14 Racially or religiously aggravated offence of harassment8.13 Racially or religiously aggravated causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - words or writing   (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.   (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.   (4) Defendants proceeded against in one year may not have their final “case outcome” (i.e. found guilty or acquitted) in the same year (e.g. a case may be committed for trial at the Crown Court).   Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. Table 4: Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of sexual offences, England and Wales, 2010 to 2014 (1)(2)   OutcomeAge group20102011201220132014   Proceeded against10 to 1550543928336834116 to 1748543638937944518 to 252,3632,2512,1842,2672,576Total3,3533,1262,8563,0143,362   Found guilty10 to 1531024417319419316 to 1728725924521424518 to 251,2251,3211,2091,1781,304Total1,8221,8241,6271,5861,742   (1) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.   (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.   Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice.

Crime: Children

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people aged under 18 have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) indecent exposure, (ii) public drunkenness, (iii) drug possession and (iv) hate crime in each year since 2010.

Caroline Dinenage: The number of juveniles proceeded against at magistrates’ courts and found guilty at all courts of offences of exposure and simple public drunkenness, in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2014 can be viewed in the table. The number of juveniles proceeded against at magistrates’ courts and found guilty at all courts of offences of drunkenness with aggravation in a public place, drug possession and hate crime offences, can be viewed in the CJS Outcomes by Offence data tool in the latest annual Criminal Justice Statistics publication, which is available at the link below. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2014 Crimes that may have been motivated by hate but are not defined hate crimes are not specifically included in this data.

Alcoholic Drinks: Children

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people under the age of 18 were placed under an Alcohol Abstinence and Monitoring Requirement during the pilot scheme launched in four London boroughs in July 2014.

Andrew Selous: None. The pilot applied to adults who were eligible for the requirement which is only available as part of the community order or a suspended sentence order. In most instances youth offending teams would seek to engage the young offender through voluntary participation in treatment to address substance misuse. However, offenders aged under 18 years and sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order, the youth equivalent to the community order, can be made subject to an intoxicating substance treatment requirement.

Minimum Wage

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2016 to Question 25609, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the increase in the average time taken for national minimum wage cases in employment tribunals between 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Mr Shailesh Vara: In 2014-15 HM Courts &Tribunals Service reviewed outstanding cases in employment tribunals and removed a backlog of very old cases which had settled or were completed from the case management system. The overall trend in average clearance time for single cases continues to improve and this can be seen in the Published Statistics at:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics.

Prisoners: Education

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what average amount of time a prisoner spends on education or work-related activities at each (a) young offender institution and (b) secure training centre.

Andrew Selous: Under-18 YOIsSince 16 August 2015, education providers in public sector under-18 Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) have been required to provide 27 hours of education a week, supplemented by three hours of physical education. Whist the majority of education time is protected, young people will miss some lessons to attend appointments such as court appearances, medical appointments and legal visits and therefore the average hours of educations received will be less than the 27 provided.Although youth crime is down, reoffending rates are far too high and the care and supervision of young offenders in custody is not good enough. That is why the Justice Secretary has asked Charlie Taylor to conduct a review of youth justice. The following table provides the average number of classroom based education hours, alternative activities hours and physical education hours accessed by under-18 public sector YOIs since 16 August 2015.Table 1: Average hours of education or alternative activities and physical education at public sector under-18 Young Offenders Institutions since 16 August 2015   FelthamCookham WoodWerringtonWetherbyAverage hours accessed by young offenders23.1517.0724.7820.44 Notes(1) Average hours includes alternative activities (interventions relating to offending behaviour, focus groups, release on temporary licence, unit cleaning and catering etc) and physical education.(2) Data are provided by the National Offender Management Service. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time.(3) This table does not include outreach education provision, which is provided to young people who are not able to engage with class room based education. The YJB currently commissions up to 15 hours of this type of provision for a set number of young people at each YOI.Under-18 YOI ParcYOI Parc is operated by G4S and is currently contracted to provide 25 hours of education and 5 hours of interventions each week. The average number of hours of education or vocational training delivered per young person per school week at Parc YOI in calendar year 2015 was 23.7 (see notes below).Secure training Centres (STCs)STCs are currently contracted to provide 25 hours of education and 5 hours of interventions each week. From 1 April 2016 at Medway STC and 5 May 2016 at Rainsbrook STC new contracts will require 30 hours education and interventions a week, of which 25 hours must be education.Table 3: Average number of hours of education or vocational training delivered per young person per school week in each Secure Training Centre in calendar year 2015 MedwayOakhillRainsbrookAverage hours accessed by young people24.924.824.9 Notes(4) Data for YOI Parc and Medway, Oakhill and Rainsbrook STCs is taken from YJMIS from the figures submitted by secure establishments.(5) These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time.

Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

UK Membership of EU: Referendums

Mr Douglas Carswell: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether Government spending in support of the remain campaign for the EU referendum is counted towards the total campaign spending for that campaign.

Mr Gary Streeter: During the referendum period ahead of the EU Referendum, which will run from 15 April to 23 June 2016, there are rules that campaigners must follow on spending, donations and reporting. These are set out under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). Spending from public funds is not covered by these rules.Section 125 of PPERA does place restrictions on the publication of promotional material by UK and devolved governments and Ministers during the 28 day period before a referendum. Publishing information and arguments for or against the UK remaining or leaving the EU or materials designed to encourage people to vote a certain way are covered by these restrictions. These restrictions will apply between 27 May and 23 June 2016.

Prime Minister

Duke of Cambridge: Speeches

Mr Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Prime Minister, whether (a) he, (b) his officials or (c) advisers in his Department read the Duke of Cambridge's speech at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of 16 February 2016 before it was given.

Mr David Cameron: No.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what value and proportion of spending by his Department that was counted as Official Development Assistance was subject to the provisions of the International Development Act 2002 in each of the last three years.

Mr Edward Vaizey: In the last three calendar years, my Department has spent £1,429,000 on Official Development Assistance (ODA). On an annual basis this can be broken down as £700,000 in 2013, zero in 2014 and £729,000 in 2015. For the years with expenditure this represents 0.01% and 0.05% of resource expenditure respectively.It should be noted that ODA is calculated on a calendar year basis, and my Department's expenditure figures are on a Financial Year basis (Apr-Mar). As such, these percentages are indicative.

Olympic Games 2012

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, where the London 2012 Olympics athletics warm-up track is being stored.

David Evennett: The London Borough of Newham agreed to take the warm-up track surface as part of a wider programme with community groups benefiting from Games. Some of the warm-up track was taken by UK Athletics for use at their events; the rest is being stored free of charge by the London Borough of Newham.

Olympic Games 2012

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has identified a venue for the installation of the London 2012 Olympics athletics warm-up track.

David Evennett: Several parts of the London 2012 warm-up track have been used in athletics venues around the country including Gateshead International Stadium, Birmingham Alexander Stadium, Lee Valley Stadium, Allianz Stadium and Swansea Stadium. A number of other options are being explored for future use of the remaining track.

Olympic Games 2012

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the cost per year is of storing the London 2012 Olympics athletics warm-up track.

David Evennett: Parts of the London 2012 warm-up track are being stored free of charge by the London Borough of Newham.

Museums and Galleries: Closures

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many museums have closed since 7 May 2015.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Neither DCMS nor Arts Council England holds information on museums closures. However, there are just under 1800 accredited museums.Thanks to an excellent Spending Review settlement in November 2015, the Government is honouring its manifesto commitment to keep entry to the permanent collections of our national museums free.Through the Arts Council England, DCMS is increasing funding for 21 Major Partner Museums from £20.3m to £22.6 million. In addition to this, regional museums can bid for funds from ACE's £10 million per year Resilience Fund. They can also bid for lottery funding from the HLF. We are also investing millions of pounds to boost local and regional museums, for example, £5 million towards a new South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum and £2.5 million to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Gaming Machine Regulations 2015; and if he will take further steps to limit the stake on fixed odds betting terminals.

David Evennett: The Government published the Evaluation of Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 on 21 January. The Evaluation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-gaming-machine-circumstances-of-useamendment-regulations-2015 The evaluation indicates that a large proportion of players of FOBTs may now be making a more conscious choice to control their playing behaviour and their stake level. We will now consider the findings of the evaluation before deciding if there is a need for further action.

Gaming Machines

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on gambling addiction of limiting the stake on fixed odds betting terminals; and if he will make a statement.

David Evennett: The Government published the Evaluation of Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 on 21 January. The Evaluation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-gaming-machine-circumstances-of-useamendment-regulations-2015 The evaluation indicates that a large proportion of players of FOBTs may now be making a more conscious choice to control their playing behaviour and their stake level. We will now consider the findings of the evaluation before deciding if there is a need for further action.

BBC: Royal Charters

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many responses he (a) expected to receive and (b) received to the consultation on BBC Charter Review.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Prior to the consultation opening, no estimate was made of the number of expected responses. Over 192,000 responses were received, with over 140,000 responses submitted in the final 2 weeks of the 12 week consultation period.

Museums and Galleries: Closures

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many local authority-owned museums have closed down in each of the last three years.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Neither DCMS nor Arts Council England holds information on museums closures. However, there are just under 1800 accredited museums.Thanks to an excellent Spending Review settlement in November 2015, the Government is honouring its manifesto commitment to keep entry to the permanent collections of our national museums free.Through the Arts Council England, DCMS is increasing funding for 21 Major Partner Museums from £20.3m to £22.6 million. In addition to this, regional museums can bid for funds from ACE's £10 million per year Resilience Fund. They can also bid for lottery funding from the HLF. We are also investing millions of pounds to boost local and regional museums, for example, £5 million towards a new South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum and £2.5 million to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Temporary Employment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new claims for universal credit have been made by people whose temporary employment contract has expired since the introduction of that credit.

Priti Patel: Universal Credit is paid on the basis of earnings. Information on types of contracts that claimants are on is not routinely collected.

Children: Maintenance

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what amount of child maintenance arrears accrued on the 1993 and 2003 schemes has been transferred to the 2012 scheme for collection in relation to 1 April 2015 (a) cases with a current CMS liability order and (b) cases with not current CMS liability order.

Priti Patel: Information on whether cases with transferred arrears have a current liability on CMS is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Information on transferred arrears is set out on Page 14 of the 1993 and 2003 Child Maintenance Schemes - Client Fund Accounts 2014/15 which can be accessed online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/485960/HC687_Client_fund_1993_tagged.pdf

Children: Maintenance

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) gives the same priority for collection to arrears owed to parent with care who transfers from the Child Support Agency to the CMS by a paying parent as new arrears which accumulate under the 2012 scheme.

Priti Patel: The Child Maintenance Service is committed to ensuring parents fulfil their obligation to make financial provision for their children. The approach to the collection of arrears was set out in the DWP Child Maintenance Arrears and Compliance Strategy, Preparing for the future, tackling the past published on 31 January 2013.

Children: Maintenance

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many cases on the Child Maintenance Service system have child maintenance arrears, due to be paid by the non-resident parent, which were incurred under the 1993 or 2003 child maintenance schemes.

Priti Patel: Information on the number of cases with transitioned arrears from the 1993 or 2003 schemes is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Children: Maintenance

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Maintenance Service (CMS) cases groups paying (a) by direct pay and (b) via the CMS collection service have a payment schedule which contains an amount in respect of Child Support Agency child maintenance arrears in addition to their current liability.

Priti Patel: Information on payment schedules is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Supported Housing: Reviews

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2016 to Question 28770, on social security benefits: mental health, who has commissioned the evidence review of supported housing; who will be conducting that review; when that review will be concluded; and whether that review will be made public.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) jointly with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) commissioned an evidence review on the shape, scale and cost of the supported housing sector. The review is being conducted by Ipsos-MORI in partnership with Imogen Blood and Associates and the Housing and Support Partnership. The review report will be published this year.

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of those who have not (i) attended a work capability assessment or (ii) reported to a jobcentre when requested have been exempt from benefit sanctions because of extenuating circumstances in each month in 2015-16.

Priti Patel: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what safeguards his Department has in place to ensure that people with mental health problems who are unable to attend a work capability assessment or report to the jobcentre when requested due to their mental health problems do not have their benefits sanctioned as a result.

Priti Patel: Claimants with mental health conditions are considered “vulnerable”, therefore if they failed to attend a Work Capability Assessment, attempts will be made to contact them by telephone and, if appropriate, to arrange a “safeguarding home visit” before a decision on entitlement is made. The Jobcentre Plus sanctions regime has a range of safeguards for vulnerable claimants, including ensuring all requirements are reasonable and taking into account individual capability and circumstances, such as mental health conditions.

Universal Credit: Foreign Nationals

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have registered for the payment of universal credit who are not UK citizens to date.

Priti Patel: The information requested is not currently available. During 2016 we will be publishing further statistics on Universal Credit in accordance with the relevant protocols in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

Social Security Benefits: Foreign Nationals

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what checks his Department carries out to ascertain the (a) immigration status and (b) nationality of benefits claimants.

Priti Patel: Access to means-tested benefits is conditional upon satisfying the Habitual Residence Test (HRT) where claimants must provide proof of their nationality and immigration status; their employment (where appropriate) and habitual residence in the UK. Generally, access to disability benefits is conditional upon satisfying the Past Presence Test (PPT) where claimants must provide proof of their nationality and immigration status; their habitual residence in the UK; and presence in the UK for 2 years out of the last 3 years. Access to contributions-based benefits is not dependent on a residency test, but the claimant must be present in the UK and they must have made the required number of national insurance contributions.

Carer's Allowance: Uprating

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will uprate the income threshold for carer's allowance in line with the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage.

Justin Tomlinson: The earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance which is not linked to the number of hours worked is currently £110 per week (net of certain expenses). It was increased to £110 in April 2015 – an increase of nearly 8%, which far outstripped the growth in earnings.  The Government keeps the earnings limit under review and keeps under consideration whether an increase in the threshold is warranted and affordable.

Ministry of Defence

Italy: Military Bases

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 29 February 2016 to Question 27211, whether the remit of permission granted to use the Sigonella air station extends to UK (a) Reaper launch and recovery operations and (b) combat missions.

Penny Mordaunt: We have had a long-standing presence at Naval Air Station Sigonella, and have made frequent use of it. However, it is not normal practice to comment on the details of arrangements with host nations.

USA: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2016 to Question 26409, what the role and location is of each of the six Reaper Force personnel embedded with the US Armed Forces; and with which units they are embedded.

Penny Mordaunt: The six embedded personnel are undertaking various training, test and evaluation duties at Holloman Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2016 to Question 26409, what squadrons or elements other than Reaper Squadrons 39 and 13 make up the Reaper force as a whole.

Penny Mordaunt: No other squadrons or elements make up the Reaper Force. However, individuals in Reaper Force posts who are to be embedded with other countries' armed forces are usually allocated to 54(Reserve) Squadron, for administrative reasons.

Defence

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2016 to Question 27212, on what data work commenced on Joint Services Policy (JSP) 900 UK Targeting Policy - Edition 2.

Penny Mordaunt: Work to create JSP 900 UK Targeting Policy Edition 2 began in January 2014 and the document was in the process of being finalised in September 2014. However, further work was required to ensure the Ministry of Defence's Full Spectrum Targeting (FSpecT) policy was coherent with the evolving National Full Spectrum Effects (FSE) approach.In September 2015 Defence Instructions and Notices (DIN) 2015DIN03-024 "Full Spectrum Effects For Defence Operations" was released. The DIN set the framework for FSpecT policy within FSE; JSP 900 Edition 2 was released shortly afterwards. A review of JSP 900 Edition 2 is under way and it is expected that a new edition will be required to incorporate lessons identified from operations in Iraq and Syria.

Jordan: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his Jordanian counterpart on the launch, recovery or other control of Reaper drones from that country or any other element of Reaper control.

Penny Mordaunt: We routinely discuss counter-Daesh air operations with Coalition partners but it would not be appropriate to give details about these discussions as to do so could affect the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Armed Forces

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the organisation and deployment of UK-based armour is.

Penny Mordaunt: The organisation of British armour based in the UK is as follows:1st Armoured Infantry BrigadeHousehold Cavalry Regiment - WindsorThe Royal Tank Regiment - Tidworth1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers - Tidworth1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment - Bulford12th Armoured Infantry BrigadeThe Royal Lancers - CatterickThe King's Royal Hussars - Tidworth1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment - Warminster1st Battalion the Royal Welsh - Tidworth20X is based in GermanyThe following UK based armoured units support these Brigades:The Royal Wessex Yeomanry - Bovington, Salisbury, Cirencester, Paignton, Exeter & Swindon1st Artillery Brigade1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery - Tidworth19th Regiment Royal Artillery - Tidworth8 Engineer Brigade22 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers - Perham Down26 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers - Perham Down101 Logistic Brigade4 Armoured Medical Regiment - Aldershot5 Armoured Medical Regiment - Tidworth & Catterick4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - Tidworth6 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - Tidworth

Cyprus: Military Aid

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training his Department has given to the Cyprus National Guard in each of the last five years.

Penny Mordaunt: Details of training provided to the Cyprus National Guard personnel by British Forces Cyprus or wider UK Defence capabilities, incorporating joint training activities, are as follows:May 2012 - Crisis response and joint Search and Rescue (SAR) training on Exercise ARGONAUTMay 2013 - Crisis response and joint SAR training on Exercise ARGONAUTOctober 2013 - Public Order training with Sovereign Base Areas PoliceMay 2014 - Crisis response and joint SAR training on Exercise ARGONAUTJune 2014 - Joint SAR training with 84 Squadron RAF and the Republic of Cyprus SAR SquadronOctober 2014 - Range administrative trainingFebruary 2015 - Small arms firing and range administrative trainingMay 2015 - Crisis response training and joint SAR training on Exercise ARGONAUTJuly 2015 - Joint SAR training with 84 Sqn RAF and the Republic of CyprusNovember 2015 - Joint medical (clinical study) trainingFebruary 2016 - Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) training on Exercise CHAMELEON

Jordan: Armed Forces

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the response time of the Quick Reaction Force to an emergency in Jordan.

Penny Mordaunt: We have not made a formal estimate of the Quick Reaction Force's (QRF) response time as the capability remains in development. The response time would vary according to the nature of the emergency. However, in recent exercises the QRF has been able to deploy independently from its barracks in Jordan within 24 hours.

Cyprus: Military Bases

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to ensure that any underspend of the budget for Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus is allocated to projects and schemes on those bases; and what planning his Department has carried out for such a scenario.

Penny Mordaunt: There has been no significant underspend in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in recent years. In the unlikely event an underspend is identified, there are measures in place to identify priorities for additional investment in the SBAs, subject to wider Departmental policies. These measures involve engagement with all key stakeholders at the beginning of each Financial Year to identify 'quick win' projects that could be funded and implemented promptly in the event of a potential underspend.

Cyprus: Military Bases

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what agreement has been reached with the government of Cyprus on repatriation of refugees that have recently arrived at Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area.

Penny Mordaunt: No agreement exists with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on repatriation of 115 refugees who arrived at RAF Akrotiri in the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) in October 2015. Since 2003, under a Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Republic of Cyprus, those seeking asylum will have their claim processed by Republic of Cyprus asylum specialists on behalf of the SBA Administration. All migrants who are not eligible for asylum or do not apply for asylum are liable under SBA law for removal and repatriation to their country of origin, residency or embarkation.

Jordan: Armed Forces

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what financial support his Department has committed for accommodation for the Quick Reaction Force project for Jordan.

Penny Mordaunt: We have spent £709,800 on accommodation for the Quick Reaction Force project on Jordan. This is based on an exchange rate of £1=1.10 Jordanian Dinar.

Lebanon: Military Aid

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with counterparts in the French government on providing (a) training and (b) logistics for the Lebanese armed forces.

Penny Mordaunt: The UK and France participate in a multilateral group that meets twice a year to coordinate capacity building support to the Lebanese armed forces.

Defence Equipment: Expenditure

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 February 2016 to Question 26146, on what programmes has contingency funding for the Defence Equipment Plan been spent in each year since 2012; and how much was spent on each programme.

Mr Philip Dunne: Centrally held contingency funding for the Defence Equipment Plan was introduced for the first time in 2012. During the 2014 Annual Budget Cycle, it was re-profiled into the later years to reflect better the level of risk in the equipment plan. As a result we have not spent any of the contingency in the years to date. However, we have allocated funding from it in future years to support specific programmes (Rotary Wing Flying Training System and Ajax Vehicles).

Islamic State: Military Intervention

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) regular RAF personnel and (b) RAF volunteer reserves have been deployed to (i) Iraq since September 2014 and (ii) Syria since December 2015.

Penny Mordaunt: The number of individual Regular RAF personnel who have been deployed to Iraq for a period greater than 24 hours at any point between 1 September 2014 and 31 January 2016 was 470.There were fewer than 5 RAF Volunteer Reserve personnel who have been deployed to Iraq for a period greater than 24 hours at any point between 1 September 2014 and 31 January 2016.There were no RAF personnel deployed to Syria between 1 December 2015 and 31 January 2016.

Syria: Military Intervention

Steven Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many incidents of loss of radar or command and control networks have been attributed to interference caused by electronic warfare devices in Syria since 1 December 2015.

Steven Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many incidents there have been of the loss of radar or command and control networks since the inception of military action in Syria.

Penny Mordaunt: I am withholding this information for reasons of operational security. The Coalition has appropriate air command and control (C2) and radar capabilities to allow RAF aircraft to operate in a safe and professional manner when conducting missions inside Syrian airspace.

Falkland Islands: Infrastructure

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to provide funding for the modernisation of infrastructure on the Falkland Islands.

Penny Mordaunt: As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence (Michael Fallon) told the House on 24 March 2015, (Official Report, columns 1302-1303) we have put in place a programme of infrastructure improvements worth £180 million over the next decade designed to deliver enhanced operational effectiveness and an improved quality of life for our personnel based in the Falkland Islands. He was able to see the first stage of construction work on that programme for himself when he visited the Islands recently.This programme will ensure that our enduring commitment to the defence of the Islands is sustained effectively for the long term.



Falkand Islands Defence Review
(Word Document, 16.32 KB)

Submarines: Defence Equipment

Steven Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost of integrating the Common Combat System onto Astute and Vanguard-class submarines.

Steven Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate his Department has made of how long it will take to integrate the Common Combat System onto Astute and Vanguard-class submarines.

Mr Philip Dunne: I am withholding information on plans for fitting the Common Combat System (CCS) to Vanguard and Astute Class submarines for the purpose of safeguarding national security.I am also witholding cost estimates for integrating the CCS onto the Astute and Vanguard-class submarines as to do so would prejudice commercial interests.

Armed Forces: Electronic Warfare

Steven Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what projects are being undertaken by the cyber transformation team in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force.

Penny Mordaunt: Each Service is seeking to address their own unique cyber defence challenges. Activities include: introducing cyber into training; strengthening cyber education for the whole organisation; integrating cyber into the strategic planning processes; improving career management for cyber specialists; and developing a better understanding of Defence's cyber vulnerabilities. All activities are brought together through the Defence Cyber Programme to ensure a holistic and coherent approach across the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Military Intervention

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he received representations from the US military based at USAF Lakenheath before the recent use of USAF F-15s to kill an individual in Libya allegedly involved in the planning of terrorist acts; and whether he gave authorisation for such an act.

Penny Mordaunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 29 February 2016 to Question 903769.



Libya
(Word Document, 15.32 KB)

Syria: Military Intervention

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government has taken to help enforce the recently agreed ceasefire in Syria.

Penny Mordaunt: As a member of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the UK has been closely engaged with the cessation of hostilities and supported UN Security Council Resolution 2268, which endorsed its terms. The UK supports a range of organisations on the ground in Syria who are reporting violations, and we are working with the UN and ISSG co-chairs in Geneva to support their monitoring and verification efforts.

International Law

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria his Department uses in assessing whether an incident counts as a violation of international humanitarian law.

Penny Mordaunt: Any assessments relating to compliance with International Humanitarian Law would be based on the principles of distinction, humanity, proportionality and military necessity.

Egypt: Royal Engineers

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential terrorist and security threat to the corps of Royal Engineers who will be deployed in March to provide short-term engineering support to the multinational force and observers in Sinai.

Penny Mordaunt: As is the case with all operational deployments, a full risk assessment was conducted prior to the decision to deploy Royal Engineers to support the Multi-National Force Observers (MFO) mission in Sinai. This covered the full range of risks to our personnel and identified appropriate measures to mitigate risk.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Playgrounds: Disability

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities on ensuring disabled children are given equal access to children's playgrounds.

Mr Marcus Jones: DCLG has not issued any guidance on this. Individual local authorities are responsible for meeting the requirements placed on them by the Disabilty Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 and the Equality Act 2010 in how they provide services.

Homelessness

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to local authority funding on levels of homelessness.

Mr Marcus Jones: This Government has always been clear that we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in our society. One person without a home is one too many. During the last Parliament the Homelessness Prevention Grant and our investment in homelessness programmes helped prevent 935,700 households from becoming homeless.We have protected the homelessness prevention funding that local authorities receive, totalling £315 million by 2019-20. This builds on our commitment to increase central government funding for homelessness programmes to £139 million over the next four years.

Housing Act 2004: Convictions

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many convictions resulted from offences under (a) Part 1 and (b) Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 in (i) England and (ii) each local justice area in (A) 2013, (B) 2014 and (C) 2015.

Brandon Lewis: The Department does not hold data on such convictions.The Housing and Planning Bill contains measures to tackle rogue landlords who rent out sub-standard accommodation. Proposals include a database of rogue landlords and property agents, introducing banning orders for serious or repeat offenders, a tougher fit and proper person test, extending Rent Repayment Orders and introducing civil penalties of up to £30,000.

Housing Act 2004

Ms Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many (a) environmental health officers and (b) other staff in local authorities were responsible for enforcement of provisions in the Housing Act 2004 in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15.

Brandon Lewis: The Department does not collect this data. It is the responsibility of local authorities to decide appropriate staffing levels to meet their obligations on enforcement.

Right to Buy Scheme: Housing Associations

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of the extension to the Right to Buy scheme for housing association tenants on the supply of housing in the UK.

Brandon Lewis: Under the terms of the voluntary agreement with the National Housing Federation and the housing association sector, housing associations will deliver an additional home through new supply nationally for every home sold under the voluntary right to buy. This will provide a significant increase to the overall supply of new housing.This agreement is a further step towards meeting our ambition to build a million more new homes.

Private Rented Housing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure private landlords do not exploit vulnerable tenants.

Brandon Lewis: We are determined to crack down on the small number of landlords that let unsafe and sub-standard accommodation. The Housing and Planning Bill will establish tough new measures, including a database of rogue landlords and property agents, banning orders for serious or repeat offenders, a stricter fit and proper person test, extending Rent Repayment Orders and introducing civil penalties of up to £30,000In addition, we have made nearly £12 million available to local authorities to help them tackle rogue landlords in their areas. Since 2011, nearly 40,000 inspections have taken place with over 3,000 landlords facing further enforcement action or prosecution through renting out unsafe, squalid and often illegal property.

Enterprise Zones: Lancashire

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what progress his Department is making on the Enterprise Zones applied for by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership; and if he will make a statement.

James Wharton: My rt hon. Friend, the Chancellor announced the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership’s successful bid for a new Enterprise Zone at Hillhouse as part of the 2015 Autumn Statement. This followed approval of the business case for the Blackpool Enterprise Zone which was announced on 12 November 2015.Regulations are being laid for both Enterprise Zones to enable them to offer business rate discounts and enhanced capital allowances from April 2016. The new Enterprise Zones complement the existing Lancashire Local Enterprise Zone which covers sites at Warton and Samlesbury.

Floods: Lancashire

Julie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2016 to Question 26199, on flooding insurance, how much of the funding provided to support businesses has been allocated to (a) Lancashire and (b) Burnley and Padiham.

James Wharton: To support local authorities impacted by Storms Desmond and Eva, the Department has provided Lancashire County Council with £4.3 million to date under the Community and Business Recovery Scheme. The Scheme has been designed to support local authorities across the country, such as Burnley, to develop and deliver their own locally tailored support packages for impacted businesses and communities. Burnley Borough Council has also received a further £56,070 for Business Rates relief to support flooded businesses.

Local Government: Public Private Partnerships

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps he has taken to assist local authorities renegotiating public-private partnerships.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department offers advice and support directly to individual local authorities and collectively through sector briefings on renegotiation matters. The Department has also worked with Local Partnerships to help them provide advice and assistance to local authorities across a range of Private Finance Initiative Public Private Partnership sector projects.

Local Government: Public Private Partnerships

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of public-private partnerships delivering local authority services and representing good value for money.

Mr Marcus Jones: Local authority Private Finance Initiative Public Private Partnership projects, whether supported by this or other departments, were subject to extensive value for money assessments before authorities entered into their individual contracts. This Department does not undertake post-implementation value for money assessments of local authority Private Finance Initative contracts and services. However authorities are encouraged to continue to seek to improve the value for money of their projects wherever possible and the Department will provide advice and support upon request.

Private Rented Housing: West Midlands

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2016 to Question 26467, what recent estimate he has made of the average cost of private rented property in the West Midlands.

Brandon Lewis: Statistics on average rents by region and local authority are published by the Valuation Office Agency athttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/private-rental-market-summary-statistics-england-2014-15 These show the estimated mean monthly rent between 1 October 2014 and 30 September 2015 by type of property.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Fringe Benefits

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2016 to Question 26816, what the job titles are of those people in receipt of travel expenses or paid car allowances.

George Eustice: All those within the Rural Payments Agency who receive paid car allowances have the job title of ‘RDT (Rural Development Team) Manager’.Job titles for the staff in the other bodies listed in Question 26816 are not held centrally or stored alongside the allowance data and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Schools: Air Pollution

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve air quality on streets near schools.

Rory Stewart: Since 2011 we have committed over £2 billion to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles, green transport initiatives and supporting Local Authorities to take action. The UK air quality plan for reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions, published on 17 December last year, sets out a comprehensive approach that will reduce health impacts and meet our environmental and legal obligations. Local Authorities are responsible for reviewing and assessing air quality under the Local Air Quality Management system. There are many schools located in local Air Quality Management Areas and Local Authorities are responsible for mitigation of pollution in these areas. Where new schools are planned in polluted areas, Local Authorities can require an assessment of pollutant levels and measures to be included to reduce the impact of pollution levels as planning conditions. Local Authorities are key to achieving improvements in air quality and we are taking a number of steps to support them. Defra’s Air Quality Grant Programme, the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund and the Clean Vehicle Technology Fund are some of the resources available to Local Authorities to take action.

HM Treasury

Personal Injury: Compensation

Andy Slaughter: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he made before his announcement in the Autumn Statement 2015 of the potential effect on revenues to the public purse of changes to personal injury law and procedure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Gauke: It is too early to say what the impact will be since this is still work in progress. The Government will consult on the detail of the new reforms in due course. The consultation will be accompanied by an impact assessment.

Infrastructure

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made on implementation of the National Infrastructure Plan.

Greg Hands: In the past year a number of key projects have been completed, including the opening of Smart Motorway projects on the M6 and M1, significant rail station redevelopments at Birmingham New Street and Manchester Victoria, and major local transport schemes in Nottingham and South Devon. The government will shortly publish a new National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, setting out how it will deliver key projects and programmes over the next 5 years.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Helen Goodman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the technological capacity of small businesses to move to a quarterly digital tax reporting system by 2020.

Mr David Gauke: In the context of the Making Tax Digital programme, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has developed a strong understanding of the technological capability of small businesses. The vast majority of small businesses are already engaging with HMRC online. For example, 95% of VAT returns and 98% of Corporation Tax returns are submitted online, while a record 89% of self-assessment returns were submitted online in January 2016. In addition, many are already using digital tools to deal with their tax affairs. HMRC has additional research underway to further explore digital capability issues. The Department recognises that some people will need support to transition to dealing with their tax affairs digitally and will help those who may struggle to adapt. The Government will consult on the details of the Making Tax Digital proposals throughout 2016, including digital capability issues.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Helen Goodman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a manual reporting option will remain available to small businesses under the proposal to move to a quarterly digital tax reporting system by 2020.

Mr David Gauke: The Government will consult on the details of the Making Tax Digital proposals throughout 2016, including digital exclusion issues. HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) vision is for everyone to deal with their tax affairs digitally by default, although the Department does of course recognise its responsibility and legal duty to ensure equal and fair access to services. For those who genuinely cannot get online, for example due to disability, geographical or other reasons, non-digital alternatives will be provided.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Helen Goodman: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with small businesses and small business associations on the proposal to move to a quarterly digital tax reporting system by 2020.

Mr David Gauke: Both I and officials from HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs have discussed the Making Tax Digital reforms with a wide range of professional bodies and advisory groups representing small businesses and the self-employed. The Government has recently concluded an initial 4 week consultation with businesses on the Making Tax Digital reforms. Further consultations will take place with all stakeholders throughout 2016.

Corporation Tax: Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of corporate tax cases investigated by HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last 5 years involved companies with operations in (a) Crown Dependencies, (b) UK Overseas territories and (c) both Crown Dependencies and Overseas territories.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Government has made of the effect of tax regimes in each Crown Dependency and Overseas Territory on UK tax receipts from individuals.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many cases of suspected (a) corporate and (b) individual tax evasion in each of the last five years involved the use of (i) Overseas Territories, (ii) Crown Dependencies and (iii) both; and what estimate HM Revenue and Customs has made of the loss of revenue to the Exchequer from those cases.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of individual tax cases investigated by HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last five years involved individuals with assets in (a) Crown Dependencies, (b) UK Overseas territories and (c) both Crown Dependencies and Overseas territories.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Government has made of the combined effect of corporate tax regimes in Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories on UK tax receipts.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Government has made of the combined effect of tax regimes in Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories on UK tax receipts from individuals.

Neil Gray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Government has made of the effect of corporate tax regimes in each Crown Dependency and Overseas Territory on UK tax receipts.

Mr David Gauke: The information requested is not available in this format. HM Revenue and Customs publishes estimates of the tax gap each year. The latest edition was published on 22 October 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/measuring-tax-gaps Estimates are made for all major taxes, including corporation tax and income tax. However, this information is not broken down in such a way that can be used to identify the loss of tax receipts due to the tax regimes requested.

Corporation Tax: Personal Injury

Andy Slaughter: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he made of the potential effect on corporation tax receipts of changes to personal injury law and procedure prior to making his announcement of such changes in the 2015 Autumn Statement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Gauke: The Ministry of Justice will launch a public consultation in due course on the details of the policy. This will be accompanied by an impact assessment.

Department for Energy and Climate Change

Energy: Billing

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2015 to Question 8556, what progress Energy UK has made in developing the webtool www.comparemyenergy.org.uk.

Andrea Leadsom: We welcome the development by many energy suppliers of consumption comparison tools on their websites. These use the data consumers provide to make comparisons meaningful and reflective of household circumstances. In addition, we expect the Competition and Markets Authority shortly to publish the conclusion of their work on the energy market, including how to make the energy market work effectively for consumers. Energy UK have subsequently advised the webtool, comparemyenergy.org.uk, ceased to function from March 2015, due to very low consumer response.

Imports: China

Kevin Hollinrake: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what progress her Department has made on bringing about an EU suspension of the Minimum Import Price of solar Chinese solar modules pending the European Commission review of EU trade measures on Chinese solar manufacturea.

Andrea Leadsom: The EU launched an Expiry Review in December 2015 into the Minimum Import Price on solar panels entering the EU from China. We expect the investigation is expected to run until at least December 2016.My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change wrote to Commissioner Malmström in November 2015 to argue that the wider costs of the Minimum Import Price should be fully taken into account in the Expiry Review of the anti-dumping measures, given the benefits to the UK and EU of lower solar panel prices.The Government will continue to engage with the Commission and do whatever we can to promote UK interests.

Tidal Power: Lancaster

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what her policy is on proposals for a tidal lagoon or barrage in the Lancaster and Morecombe area.

Andrea Leadsom: The Government remains open to considering well-developed, privately funded tidal lagoon or barrage proposals across the UK’s bay and estuaries, including in the Lancaster and Morecambe area. Any tidal range project would need to demonstrate strong evidence of value for money and affordable, economic benefits, energy saving and environmental impact mitigation before the Government could take a view on its potential. On 10 February, the Government announced an independent review to assess the case for tidal lagoons and consider whether they could represent value for money for the consumer.

Nuclear Power Stations

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what progress she has made on the type approval of modular nuclear reactors.

Andrea Leadsom: Any nuclear reactor or facility proposed for deployment in the UK will be subject to robust and independent regulatory scrutiny. Therefore, any small modular reactor design proposed for construction would undergo safety, security and environmental design assessment. A reactor design would only be allowed to progress if the independent regulator was satisfied it was compliant with the UK’s stringent safety standards.

Solar Power

Melanie Onn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will estimate the change in the number of jobs that will be lost in the solar industry as a result of the early closure of the renewables obligation.

Melanie Onn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the change in the number of jobs in the solar industry has been since May 2015.

Andrea Leadsom: Holding answer received on 08 March 2016



The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not maintain data on the number of jobs in the solar industry. In order to support the path to subsidy-free solar deployment, we have decided to keep the Feed-in-Tariff scheme open, and expect that the scheme could support 15,000-23,000 jobs in the sector.We expect subsidy-free solar to be an increasingly attractive option. Lightsource, the biggest solar developer in the UK, have said publically that they will be installing and connecting subsidy-free sites in 2016.

Coal Fired Power Stations

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will commission independent research on the (a) economic, (b) environmental and (c) technical viability of building ultra-supercritical coal fired power stations in the UK.

Andrea Leadsom: Coal is the most carbon intensive form of electricity generation. I have no plans to commission independent research on the viability of building ultra-supercritical coal fired power stations in the UK.

Environment Protection: Taxation

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect of absorbing the EU emissions trading system tax on fossil fuels into the UK's carbon price support tax for fossil fuels.

Amber Rudd: At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's position, as set out by the Prime Minister to the House on 22 February, is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. The UK supports the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) as the best means of achieving the EU’s emissions reduction targets to 2030 and beyond at least cost for business and consumers, through a market-based approach. Emissions trading works better at the European level, creating a larger and more liquid market and a level playing field between Member States. The UK has been a consistent champion of the EU ETS and first piloted a national cap-and-trade scheme in 2002 before its launch. The UK has been at the forefront in securing recent measures to reform and strengthen the EU ETS, including securing EU agreement in September 2014 to a Market Stability Reserve to address the surplus of allowances in the system.

Energy

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will place a summary of how the UK's energy interconnectors are funded in the Library.

Andrea Leadsom: Yes, I will be placing a copy in the Libraries of the House.

Cabinet Office

Lobbying

Patrick Grady: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his oral contribution of 25 February 2016, Official Report, column 486, when he plans to bring proposals for an anti-lobbying clause in Government grant agreements to the House for debate.

Matthew Hancock: Holding answer received on 03 March 2016






An error has been identified in the written answer given on 07 March 2016.The correct answer should have been:

The grants clause will help to ensure that grant funding is always used for the intended purpose. It will not prevent organisations from using their own privately raised funds to campaign as they see fit. Given the clear intention of the clause, To ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent, there are no plans to debate it at present.

Matthew Hancock: Holding answer received on 03 March 2016



The grants clause will help to ensure that grant funding is always used for the intended purpose. It will not prevent organisations from using their own privately raised funds to campaign as they see fit. Given the clear intention of the clause, To ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent, there are no plans to debate it at present.

Employment: Southampton

Royston Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the employment rate was for adults in Southampton with (a) mental health, (b) physical health and (c) no declared health conditions in each year since 2010.

Mr Rob Wilson: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Letter to Member - Employment Rate
(PDF Document, 127.49 KB)

Commission on Freedom of Information: Cost Effectiveness

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the cost: benefit ratio of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information.

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what expenses were claimed by members of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information.

Matthew Hancock: The total expenditure of the Commission will be published in due course.

Commission on Freedom of Information: Costs

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse was of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information.

Matthew Hancock: Holding answer received on 08 March 2016



The total expenditure of the Commission will be published in due course.

Iraq Committee of Inquiry

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with Sir John Chilcot on the publication date of the Iraq Inquiry.

Mr Oliver Letwin: None.

Charities: Lobbying

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what representations he has received from charities on the Government's proposal to prevent charities using government grants to lobby Parliament.

Helen Hayes: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what representations he has received from charities on the Government's proposal to prevent charities using government grants to lobby Parliament.

Joan Ryan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what representations he has received from charities on the Government's proposal to prevent charities using government grants to lobby Parliament.

Matthew Hancock: Taxpayers money should not be diverted away from its intended purpose and wasted on political campaigning and political lobbying. The clause does not stop grant recipients, including charities, from using other sources of funding for this or from making their views known.

Social Enterprises: Investment

Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress his Department has made on developing social finance.

Mr Rob Wilson: The UK is recognised as the world leader in social investment.Across the country, social investment is helping social enterprises tackle issues and transform lives. It has an important role in building a more sustainable, resilient social sector.We have created funds and programmes, which support these organisations to access investment and increase their impact.I want this leadership to continue, and this Government is absolutely committed to growing this essential marketplace.

Commission on Freedom of Information: Costs

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse was of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information.

Matthew Hancock: The total expenditure of the Commission will be published in due course.

House of Commons Commission

Members: Computers

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, how many all-in-one computers have been issued to hon. Members and their offices since May 2015; and how many such computers have had to be recalled due to a fault.

Tom Brake: 1,071 all-in-one computers have been issued since May 2015. 14 have been recalled due to a fault.

House of Commons: Catering

Chris Bryant: To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, how many contracted canteen and hospitality staff worked on the parliamentary estate in each year since 2009.

Tom Brake: Holding answer received on 07 March 2016



The number of Contracted (Agency) staff is difficult to calculate due to the number of different agencies used and the often short term, varied work they are engaged to do. The number of contracted (agency) staff compared to the number of permanent staff is relatively low and accounts for less than 10% of the workforce costs with most contracted (agency) staff covering ad hoc operational requirements.The percentage of workforce costs that represent agency staff for the years 2009 to 2015 were as follows:2009/102.84% of staff costs2010/112.17% of staff costs2011/124.11% of staff costs2012/134.34% of staff costs2013/146.00 % of staff costs2014/158.11% of staff costsAlong with growing guaranteed hours staff, contracted (Agency) staff have helped with the flexibility of the business needs since the directorate restructured to a smaller core team in 2011 and 2013 and in response to a growing banqueting and events business through income generation initiatives. As a result total staff costs have been much better controlled by being able to have a flexible resource which resources up to peaks in demand rather than having too many staff during quieter periods.

Department of Health

Streptococcus

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to include group B Strep (GBS) in future work relating to the National Maternity Review.

Ben Gummer: The aims of the National Maternity Review were to develop proposals for the future shape of modern, high quality and sustainable maternity services across England. The key proposals aim to improve safety and experience of care for women and their families.The Government has made clear that maternity care is a priority and on 13 November 2015 announced an ambition to reduce by 50% stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and neonatal brain injuries by 2030. This includes harm and death caused by Group B Streptococcus.Following the publication of the National Maternity Review we are working with NHS England to establish a governance structure for the maternity work programme which will include engagement with a broad range of charity partners.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many cases of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis have been recorded in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) Lancaster and (d) East Anglia in each of the last five years.

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many GPs have notified cases of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in each of the last five years.

Jane Ellison: This information is not collected in England. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidance, Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children, published in 2007, estimates that the annual prevalence is approximately 4,000 cases per million of the population.

Viral Diseases: Memory

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with the Royal Colleges on the connection between memory loss and viral illness.

Jane Ellison: No such discussions have taken place.

Dementia: Diagnosis

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that the six item cognitive impairment test is properly used to diagnose dementia.

Jane Ellison: The diagnosis of dementia is a clinical decision and one which needs to be made by suitably trained clinicians. The six item cognitive impairment test is one of a number of tools used to help and support clinicians when assessing individuals who are considered to have the early signs of dementia. Different tests and diagnosis tools are used by clinicians, dependent on the circumstances which are presented to them.

Genito-urinary Medicine: Females

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that most up-to-date treatments for women with pelvic floor related urinary conditions will be available on the NHS.

Jane Ellison: All treatments which are set out in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines for pelvic floor urinary conditions are available on the National Health Service. The guidelines can be found here: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg171/chapter/1-recommendations.  NHS England published new guidance on 16 November 2015 to help improve the care and experience of people with continence issues. This includes the most up to date evidence to support commissioners and providers. The guidance can be found on NHS England’s website and accessed via the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2015/11/16/continence-care/

Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome there have been in each of the last five years.

Ben Gummer: We are advised by the Health and Social Care Information Centre that the data requested is not held.

Shingles: Vaccination

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make the shingles vaccination available for people over 70 years old on the NHS.

Jane Ellison: A shingles vaccination programme was introduced in September 2013 for 70 year olds; with a progressive catch-up to ensure all those aged 71 – 79 years old could also benefit from the vaccine. A schedule indicating which age groups will be eligible for the shingles vaccine in 2015/16 and beyond is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/who-is-eligible-for-the-shingles-vaccine-beyond-2016

European Health Insurance Cards

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many UK citizens have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); and how many such people have used their EHIC to obtain state provided healthcare in other EU countries in each of the last five years.

Alistair Burt: The United Kingdom European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) means that people living in the UK are able to travel to the European Economic Area (EEA) safe in the knowledge that they will be able to receive free or reduced cost healthcare should they need it.There are currently 27,570,911 cards in circulation, as of January 2016. The number of cards granted since 2006, providing such cover is: 2014/15 - 5,414,9772013/14 - 5,571,0602012/13 - 5,240,6082011/12 - 6,830,7342010/11 - 5,703,8952009/10 - 4,162,1702008/09 - 4,269,0232007/08 - 4,160,9352006/07 - 5,163,121 Source: Business Services Authority The Department does not hold information about on how many people have used their UK EHIC to obtain state provided healthcare in another EEA country in any 12 month period. This is because data on UK EHIC usage is recorded by individual treatment episode rather than the card holder.

Asthma

Ben Howlett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what provisions for increased asthma care are being taken in the implementation of the Five Year Forward View.

Jane Ellison: The Five Year Forward View makes clear that supporting people living with long term conditions, such as asthma, is core business for the National Health Service and that this requires a partnership with patients over the long term, rather than providing single, unconnected episodes of care. In order to achieve this, the NHS is focusing on empowering patients and communities. The 2016/17 NHS Shared Planning Guidance requires local areas to produce five year sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). In developing their STP, local areas are asked to consider how they will: ― achieve a step-change in patient activation and self-care;― embed the six principles of engagement and involvement of patients, carers, and communities developed to help deliver the Five Year Forward View; and― make real the aspiration to design person-centred coordinated care, including plans to ensure patients have access to named, responsible consultants. Vanguard sites for the new care models programme, one of the first steps towards delivering the Five Year Forward View, are focusing on developing new ways of working to improve the care provided to patients and local people. The vanguards will consider the provision of asthma care at a local level as they develop and implement their plans. More generally, NHS England continues to work with Asthma UK and professional groups in both primary and secondary care to improve outcomes for all those with asthma by, for example, underlining the importance of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s asthma quality standard in commissioning and delivering good quality asthma care.

Asthma: South West

Ben Howlett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to expand access to treatments for severe asthma in the South West of England.

Jane Ellison: Services for people with severe asthma are commissioned by NHS England in line with national specifications to ensure patient numbers are sufficient to support safe services.  We are advised by NHS England that in the South West there are currently treatment hubs in Bristol and Taunton that provide services for children; and services for adult in hubs at Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Swindon and Gloucestershire. NHS England advises that other asthma services are commissioned locally, via community providers and primary care (general practice and pharmacy). In the constituency of Bath, we are informed by NHS England that asthma is largely managed by primary care providers, while more complex patients with severe or difficult asthma are seen by the acute respiratory teams. We are assured by NHS England that secondary care services in the area are both appropriate and accessible for patients with acute asthma and that NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group has no plans to change or expand its existing asthma provision at this time.

NHS: Civil Proceedings

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many legacy continuing health care cases are more than two years old and have payments outstanding (a) in England, (b) in the West Midlands and (c) at Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group.

Alistair Burt: At the end of March 2013, the National Health Service had received approximately 59,000 requests to assess previously unassessed periods of care for NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility. NHS England collects information on the number of these cases which are awaiting a decision on eligibility. As at 31 January 2016: (a) There were 15,716 requests to assess previously unassessed periods of care in England; (b) there were 848 requests to assess previously unassessed periods of care in the West Midlands; and (c) there were 260 requests to assess previously unassessed periods of care in Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group. It is not possible to assess how many of these individuals may be entitled to redress payments until a full assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare is undertaken, in line with the principles and processes set out in the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care (November 2012) (revised).

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average waiting time was for transition of patients from child to adult mental health services in (a) England and (b) the West Midlands in each of the last three years.

Alistair Burt: This information is not centrally available.

Mental Health Services: Prisons

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when the RAND Europe evaluation of Liaison and Diversion services will be published.

Alistair Burt: RAND Europe will publish its evaluation of the 10 Wave 1 Liaison and Diversion (L&D) pilot services when HM Treasury’s decision on the L&D full business case is announced. This decision is expected shortly.

Hearing Impairment

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people have registered as deaf in 2015.

Alistair Burt: The data requested is no longer collected centrally. On 31 March 2010, 56,360 people were recorded on the deaf register.

General Practitioners: Finance

Mr Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans to publish the revised Carr-Hill formula.

Alistair Burt: NHS England is committed to reviewing the Carr-Hill formula which underpins the payments made to general practitioner (GP) practices under the General Medical Services contract. A technical working group and steering group have been established and are meeting regularly. Whilst the technical work is expected to complete in 2016, the new formula is not expected to impact GP contracts before 2017/18, following negotiation with the British Medical Association.

Medicine: Education

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department plans to remove the NHS bursary made available to medical students.

Ben Gummer: There are currently no plans to change the current existing arrangements for medical students who are already on the standard student support system for the first four years of their degrees.

Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much was recharged to the (a) Russian, (b) Chinese, (c) Nigerian, (d) American, (e) Indian, (f) Australian, (g) Pakistan, (h) Brazilian, (i) New Zealand and (j) Canadian government for health treatment by the NHS in 2015.

Alistair Burt: Anyone who is not ordinarily resident in England is deemed an overseas visitor and is subject to the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015. These regulations place a legal duty on National Health Service hospitals to establish whether an overseas visitor is chargeable or is exempt from charge under one of a number of exemption categories. NHS trusts will have their own local data on the status of non-United Kingdom nationals receiving NHS care. This enables them to charge for that care where applicable. However, trusts are only obliged to report totals for amounts charged and recovered. They are not required to include information about the patient’s residency, nationality or migration status. Trusts report amounts charged and recovered as part of their own local accounts process.

Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2016 to Question 28900, on mental health services, if he will make it his policy to collect that information.

Alistair Burt: In January, the Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Health announced the Government’s intention to establish a new regulatory body for social work to drive up standards with an ambition to raise the quality of social work, education, training and practice in both children’s and adult’s social work. As part of this work, we are exploring the feasibility of establishing a national register for Approved Mental Health Professionals.

Nurses: Training

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2016 to Question 28901, on nurses: training, if he will make it his policy to collect that information.

Ben Gummer: There are no plans at present to collect this information but this will be kept under review in light of work being undertaken this year by Health Education England.